St. Jerome Catholic Church
San Antonio, Texas
Dear All,
Each and every year I am amazed at how early people begin to prepare the season of Christmas. This year
was no exception, as I was already starting to hear about Christmas sales even before my youngest sister went
trick or treating for Halloween.
While this zeal and love for the season of Christmas is beautiful and touching, I can’t help but sometimes feel
as if we are sometimes forgetting what Christmas is all about. So often, we are told by commercials and
stores that we need to get the early jump on buying those special gifts, getting the perfect tree and all the decorations we need,
to outdo the neighbors. What we sometimes fail to remember is that Christmas is already perfect. It is magical enough when
forgiveness is granted, peace is found and our salvation is brought back to the forefront of our minds. It has happened before
and, happens I think more often than we think, that the idea of Christmas can cause healing where before it was thought
impossible.
Many Catholics have a bumper sticker that reads, “Keep Christ in Christmas.” At some point, someone took that phrase and
expanded it. They said that if you want to “Keep Christ in Christmas,” then you should “feed the hungry, clothe the naked,
forgive the guilty, welcome the unwanted stranger and child, care for the ill, love your enemies.” That is a profoundly
different message than what we like to hear about Christmas, but it is exactly what we are called to do. Does this mean that
giving gifts during Christmas is wrong? No! It just means that we are called to remember why we celebrate. Traditionally,
we give each other gifts on our birthdays. At Christmas, we share gifts with each other in honor of Christ whose birthday we
celebrate and who is present in each one of us.
The truth is, in some ways, may be just coming together as family is the only gift we need to truly enjoy Christmas and
understand its meaning. One of my favorite Christmas memories is based off of an old Polish tradition of breaking the
“Oplatek.” In this tradition, the family gathers together using their best china and silverware, serving a formal meal, all the
while recalling the story from the Gospel of the birth of Christ. In this old Polish tradition, a chair is open for Christ or the
visitor. In fact, one old Polish proverb says that receiving a stranger is to receive Christ. My family always left that chair
open , and they would also invite someone else from our family, whether it was one of my aunts or uncles or my
grandparents to join us for dinner. This tradition always helped me keep Christmas in perspective, as we ate the meal and
began to get ready for Midnight Mass. And as I grow older, another familiar saying becomes clear: “The older you get, the
more you realize that the gifts you want cannot be bought.” This reminds me that my family is the most important (or
greatest) gift of all.
From all of us here at St. Jerome’s, we would like to wish each and every one of you a very Merry and Holy Christmas!!
In Christ,
Fr. Scott Janysek
Blessing of Homes
Epiphany marks the occasion of a time-honored Christian tradition of “chalking the doors.” The
formula for the ritual — adapted for 2017 — is simple: take chalk of any color and write the following
above the entrance of your home: 20+C+M+ B+17.
The letters have two meanings. First, they represent the initials of the Magi — Gaspar, Malchior, and
Balthazar — who came to visit Jesus in His first home. They also abbreviate the Latin phrase, Christus
mansionem benedicat: “May Christ bless the house.” The “+” signs represent the cross, and the “20”
at the beginning and the “17” at the end mark the year. Taken together, this inscription reads as a
request for Christ to bless those homes so marked and that he stay with those who dwell therein throughout the entire year. The
chalk markings remain over the door 'til Pentecost.
The chalking of the doors is a centuries-old practice throughout the world, though it appears to be somewhat less well-known in
the United Sates. It is, however, an easy tradition to adopt, and a great practice whereby we dedicate our year to God from its very
outset, asking His blessing on our homes and on all who live, work or visit them there. (From http://www.onepeterfive.com/the-chalking-of-thedoors-an-epiphany-tradition-explained/)
On January 8th, starting at 3:00 PM, Father Scott will bless homes and “chalk doors” If you would like Fr. Scott to
visit your home for a blessing, please contact the parish office at (210) 648-2694.
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord
Mis hermanos y hermanas:
Cada año me sorprende saber que tan temprano comienzan a preparar para el tiempo de Navidad. Este año
no es excepción. Yo empecé a escuchar sobre las ventas Navideñas desde antes que mi hermana pequeña
fuera pedir dulces el día de Halloween.
Aunque este celo y amor por la temporada de Navidad es hermoso y conmovedora, no puedo dejar de pensar
que si se nos esta olvidando de que realmente se trata la Navidad. Seguido nos exigen los anuncios y tiendas
que necesitamos hacer las compras desde bien temprano para comprar esos regalos tan especiales, comprar el árbol perfecto y
obtener todo lo necesario para poder lucir las decoraciones mas bonitas que las del vecino—que todo sea perfecto. Lo que a
veces se nos olvida es que la Navidad ya es perfecta. Es suficientemente mágica cuando se concede el perdón, se encuentra
paz y nuestra salvación es traída a la vanguardia de nuestras mentes. Ha ocurrido y pienso que la idea de Navidad puede
causar sanación donde antes la sanación era imposible.
En ingles hay una frase que dice que hay que mantener a “Cristo” en la Navidad—Keep Christ in Christmas. En algún
momento, alguien tomó esa frase y la amplió: “Si quieres mantener a Cristo en la Navidad, dale de comer al hambriento,
viste al desnudo, perdona al culpable, recibe al los desamparados, cuida a los enfermos y ama los enemigos.” Esto es un
mensaje de Navidad profundamente diferente al que nos gusta oír. Pero es exactamente a lo que estamos llamados hacer.
Tradicionalmente nos damos regalos en los cumpleaños. En la Navidad, damos regalos en honor de Cristo que nació y esta
presente dentro y entre nosotros.
La verdad es que estar todos juntos con nuestros familiares en esta hermosa temporada es el mas bonito regalo y la mejor
manera de absorber el mensaje verdadero de la Navidad. Unos de mis mas bonitos recuerdos es la tradición Polaca de la
fracción del pan, “Oplatek.” En esta tradición , la familia se reúne para una cena con los mejores platos y cubiertos. Antes de
comer, se lee el evangelio del nacimiento de Cristo. En esta antigua tradición Polaca, una silla se queda reservada para Cristo
o un visitante especial. Hay un dicho Polaco que dice “El que recibe a un desconocido recibe a Cristo.” En mi familia
siempre dejábamos una silla reservada para Cristo. También invitábamos unas de mis Tias o mis abuelitos a venir a cenar
con nosotros. Esta tradición de cenar juntos y después prepáranos para la Misa de Media noche, siempre me ha ayudado
mantener la Navidad en perspectiva. Cuanto mas viejo me hago, mas se me hace claro esta frase: “Entre mas viejo, más te
das cuenta que los regalos que mas deseas no pueden ser comprados". Esta frase me recuerda que mi familia es lo mas
importante y mejor regalo de todos.
De parte de todos aquí en San Jerónimo, les deseamos una bendecida y feliz y Navidad!
En Cristo,
Padre Scott
Bendición de Hogares
La Epifanía marca la ocasión de una larga tradición cristiana de "tizar las puertas." La fórmula para el
ritual, adaptado para el 2017, es simple: toma la tiza de cualquier color y escribe lo siguiente sobre la
entrada de su casa: 20 C M B 17.
Las letras tienen dos significados. En primer lugar, representan las iniciales de los Reyes Magos:
Caspar (Gaspar), Malchior y Balthazar, que vinieron a visitar a Jesús en su primera casa. Las iniciales
también abrevian la frase latina, Christus mansionem benedicat: "Que Cristo bendiga esta casa. La “”
representan la Cruz, el "20" al principio y el "17" al final representan el año. Tomados en conjunto,
esta inscripción se realiza como una solicitud para que Cristo bendiga los hogares marcados igual como a los que habitan en ella
durante todo el año.
El marcar con tiza las puertas es una práctica de hace varios siglos de antigüedad en todo el mundo, aunque parece ser menos
conocida en los Estados Unidos. Sin embargo, es una tradición fácil de adoptar y una gran práctica que dedicamos nuestro año a
Dios desde su comienzo, pidiendo su bendición en nuestros hogares y en todos los que viven, trabajan o visitan allí. (De http://
www.onepeterfive.com/the-chalking-of-the-doors-an-epiphany-tradition-explained/)
El 8 de enero, a partir de las 15:00, (3:00 PM) El padre Scott bendecirá las casas y "tizara puertas" Si quiere que el padre Scott
visite su casa, por favor contacte la oficina parroquial al (210) 648-2694.
St. Jerome Catholic Church
San Antonio, Texas
You’re Invited!
January 8, 2017
Notices
Weddings at St. Jerome
As of November 8, 2016, new fees for weddings at St. Jerome
are as follows:
9:30 AM – 10:50 AM
Parishioner—(parents of bride and/or groom registered for at
least one year) - $350.00
Join us in Obrien Hall on for three great
events:
Parent Appreciation Day
Ministry Fair
Parish Library Open House (Pruski Hall)
A deposit of a least half the amount will be required to secure
the date with the balance due one month before the wedding
date. These new fees apply only to contracts signed after
November 8, 2016.
Breakfast and refreshments provided by
That Man Is You (TMIY)
Beginning the weekend of January 7th, Mass Intentions will
be read only during announcements before Mass begins.
“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my
prayers.”
Ephesians 1:16
Library
Open House
Non-Parishioner—$600
Mass Intentions
Pastoral Council Quarterly Ministry Reports
A representative from each ministry is asked to attend and
present their ministry’s quarterly report to the Pastoral
Council during the January, April, July and October
meetings. The Quarterly Report may be downloaded from
the Pastoral Council webpage at www.stjeromesatx.org
Pastoral Council meets every 1st Wednesday of the month @
7:00 PM in O’Brien Hall, Room 3.
Is Your Loved One in a Nursing Home?
Men’s A.C.T.S.
Please join the Men's ACTS for their
upcoming
retreat at St. Anthony, February 912th. We welcome you to a weekend
of reflection and prayer. For more
information contact Lloyd Welty at (210) 389-7321.
If you know of a parishioner or a
loved one who is in a nursing home
in need of confession, communion,
and /or anointing, please contact the
office with their information.
Give the Gift of a Catholic Education
This Christmas, give the gift of Catholic education. Holy Name Catholic School is now
accepting applications for prek-3 through 7th grade, for January admission. Please contact
the school at 210-333-7356, or contact the principal for a
tour. [email protected] More information can be found at hncstx.org or on
Facebook at @HolyNameCatholicSchoolSATX
We are pleased to announce that we have an anonymous donor who has pledged to sponsor
5 transfer students in January by paying for their registration fee. Please contact us for more
information. Merry Christmas!
Thank you very much, Judy Sumner Holy Name Catholic School
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord
Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible
PARISH UPCOMING EVENTS
Make sense of the Bible and
see how it relates to your
everyday life. Discover the
remarkable connections
between the Old and New
Testaments. See how the
sacraments, the Church and
our entire Catholic Faith is rooted in Scripture.
Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God
Saturday
December
31
Solemnity of Mary,
Mother of God
Sunday,
January
1st
8:30 AM,
11:00 AM
and
1:00 PM
Father Scott will be leading an 8-week bible study
series entitled “Unlocking the Mystery of the Bible”
Library Open House,
Parent Appreciation
& Ministry Fair
Sunday,
January
8th
9:30 AM to
10:50 AM
Blessing/Chalking
of Homes
Sunday,
January
8th
Beginning at
3:00 PM
Classes will be offered as follows:
Every Wednesday at 9:00 AM beginning on
January 18th in Flanagan Administrative Center
Every Thursday at 7:00 PM beginning on January
19th in Flanagan Administrative Center
The fee for the class is $20 to cover the cost of the
book. Please do not let money prevent you from
attending. Please contact the office to register.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe Mass
5:00 PM
English
St. Jerome Catholic Church
San Antonio, Texas
Minister Schedule—First Sunday December 31/January 1
5:00 PM Mass
Rosary
Bernie Janysek
Eucharistic Min.
Jeannie Bricker
Elena Turk
Jackie Sczepanik
Gerald Sczepanik
Carol Hardy
Sherill Urban
Commentator
Wayne Vetter
Lectors
Joyce Royce
Alice Rutkowski
8:30 AM Mass
Ushers
Theo Janysek
Bernie Janysek
John Maha
Alice Golia
Rosary
Richard Dennehy
Commentator
Melissa Galbraith
Lectors
Denise Covert
Louis Rios
11:00 AM Mass
Rosary
Karen Tindall
Eucharistic Min.
Cathy Aniol
Adelita Barajas
Kathy Collins
Darlene Castillo
Louis Castillo
Laura Martinez
Commentator
Lisa Carrasco
Lectors
Jennifer Davis
Roberta Ottmers
Eucharistic Min.
Elaine Moczygemba
Pelagius Moczygemba
Terri Hartman
Richard Hartman
Tom Hatzenbuehler
Debbie Hatzenbuehler
Ushers
Bubba Pawelek
John McRae
Brian Lellner
Roy Wight
1:00 PM Mass
Ushers
Arnold Walla
Elaine Walla
Peter Cross
Frank Aniol
Rosary
Eucharistic Min.
TBD
Commentator
Patricia Flores
Ushers*
Hugo DavilaMaquiin
Jorge Lopez
Rudy Sanchez
Lectors
TBD
2nd Collection: Building Fund
Mass Intentions
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
December 27, 2016
December 28, 2016
December 29, 2016
December 30, 2016
8:00 AM
James McDaniel
Ellen Tabbert
Benjamin Robertson
8:00 AM
Jesse Morrisett
8:00 AM
Tillie Kolodziej
8:00 AM
East Central School District
Students and Faculty
SATURDAY—5:00 PM
SUNDAY—Mary, Mother of God
December 31, 2016
January 1, 2017
Alouis & Ernestine Lejeski
Conrad and Olga Ploch
Mary Rose Meurer
Frank and Helen Lazar
8:30 AM
Deceased Members of the
Kotora and Jaskinia
Family
Robin Pohl
Ernest Dylla
Pauline Kolodziej
11:00 AM
Peter Kotara
Benny Janysek
1:00 PM
Salud de Francisco Javier
Aguilar
December 25, 2016 The Nativity of the Lord
PARISH STAFF
Fr. Scott Janysek, Administrator,
[email protected]
Deacon Conrad Urteaga,
[email protected]
Charles Lammons, Deacon (retired)
PARISH LIFE
PASTORAL COUNCIL
Larry Keller, President, Bill Thoms, Vice President
Frances Zunker
Patricia C. Flores, [email protected]—Parish S
Ana K. Ramirez, [email protected]—Parish Bookkeeper
Jessica Lubianski, [email protected]—Youth Programs Coordinator
Sandra Dorsey, [email protected]—DRE Contact 260-3489
Parish Phone: 210) 648-2694 FAX: (210) 648-3690
[email protected]
[email protected]
Members—Cynthia Farmer, Gwen Raabe,
Catherine Richter, Kellie Wiatrek and Lloyd Welty
FINANCE COUNCIL—[email protected]
Meets 2nd Tuesday of the month at 4:00pm
Jerry Pruski, President, Members- Burnell Gates, Pelagius
Moczygemba, Wayne Pape, Mary Pawelek, Mark Blandford,
Anthony Mihalski, Jackie Sczepanik
Please keep the following in your prayers:
Gerald Adams, Jessica Ahr, Johnny Ahr, Javier Aguilar,
Terri Appelt, Sara Chamberlain, Joshua Crittenden,
Ryan Deuvall, Sandra Dorsey, Kyle Emerson Duerr,
Rowdy Buck, Guy and Kim Edwards, Patricie E. Eomeya, Aaron Garcia, Cathy Garcia, Eva Garcia, Agnes Gawlik, Irene Gerlich, Miguel
Gonzalez, Anthony Gonzalez, Lillian Harmon, Richard & JoAnn
Hosek, Susan Hosek, Maggie Ibrom, Lucille Kosub, Tillie Kosub, Alphonse Kotara, Cindy Kuhlman, Dorthy Kvapil, Arnold Lyro, Rudy
Lyssy, Susan Lyssy, Maddie McClain, Margie and Pete Mahula,
Kathy Merchel, Irene Nanes, Brenda Orenden, Dienna Real, Rita Real, Linda Richardson, Catherine Richter, Francisco Vega Riojas, Linda
Rios, Alvin Rutkowski, David Schick, Christine Scott, Jacob Scott,
Eugene Snoga, Anton Strzelczyk, Helen Syamken, John Thornton,
Colby Turk, Sam Turk, Thomas Turk, Mandy Vasbinder, Louis
Vontur, Elenor Vrzalik, Daniel Warzecka, Nicole Winston, James H.
Winston, Virginia Winston, Latham Walleck, Laura Wollney, Mary
Zrenner
If you would like your name to be added please contact the office.
Please Pray for our Military:
Caleb Brooks, Kyle Budde, Derek Christa,
Wayne Hosek, Michael Weston, Eric
McDonald, Eric Williamson, Omero Lopez,
Ryan Clemons, Kevin Kotrola, Matt Kuwamoto, Sicily Rios, Elizabeth Ferris, Suzanne Lonsberry,
Victoria Kuelbs, Austen Bednarz
BAPTISMS
Please contact Deacon Conrad Urteaga,
Baptism Coordinator @838-4186
SACRAMENT OF MATRIMONY
Engaged couples should make arrangements with the Pastor at least six
months in advance.
SACRAMENT OF
RECONCILIATION
4:00 PM—SATURDAY
30 minutes before weekend Masses or
by appointment.
Bulletin Deadline: Monday by Noon
Please email news/announcements to [email protected]
Pictures or flyers must be sent in JPEG format, please!
A.C.T.S.
Daryl Wagoner 316-2160
[email protected]
Altar Society
Last Wed. 7:00p.m.
Cathy Schick 748-2620
[email protected]
Baptismal Class
Deacon Conrad Urteaga 838-4186
[email protected]
Companions for the Journey
3rd Tuesday 10:00a.m.
Alice Rutkowski 296-1380
[email protected]
Eucharistic Ministers
Terri Hartman 385-4115
[email protected]
Lector Ministry
Melissa Galbraith 606-0293
[email protected]
Little Rock Scripture
Louis Rios 648-1900
[email protected]
Marriage Ministry
Chip & April Moxley 834-0052
[email protected]
Men’s Club
2nd Monday 7:00 p.m.
Allen Pruski 269-0263
[email protected]
Music Ministry
Jeanette Morrisett 649-2301
[email protected]
R.C.I.A.
Every Monday 7:00 p.m.
Kim Pruski 275-0421
[email protected]
Senior Gathering
2nd Thursday 11:00 a.m.
Joyce Royce 649-1210
[email protected]
That Man Is You
Dale Hubbart
[email protected]
(210)945-4182
Ushers
3rd Thursday 6:30 PM
Mike Duffin 422-2829
[email protected]
Hall Rentals
Diane Swientek 219-6646
[email protected]
St. Jerome Cemetery
Marilyn Rivas 846-5038
[email protected]
PARISH YOUTH LIFE
Altar Servers
1st communion-12th grade
Roxanne Zigmond 415-7821,
[email protected]
C.Y.O.
4yrs.-8th grade
3rd Tuesday 6:30 p.m.
Crystal Walter —210-387-5345,
[email protected]
Faith Formation (C.C.D.)
Prek 3-8th grade
Sunday 9:45 am
Sandra Dorsey 260-3489
[email protected]
Life Teen
9th grade-12th grade
Jessica Lubianski 485-9872,
[email protected]
Edge
6th grade-8th grade
Cindy Hubbart 846-4363
[email protected]
Teen ACTS
Retreat Minisrty
9th grade-12th grade
Damon Trainer
[email protected]
Boy Scouts
Tuesday 7:00 p.m.
Jason Eittriem 627-3844,
[email protected]
Cub Scouts
Deryck Bogart , 210-376-8439,
[email protected]
Debbie Balderas 232-6107,
[email protected]