Our Lady On The River Parish December 2, 2007 1st Sunday of Advent Sponsor of the Week: Pride Builders Pastor's Page As I write this article, I am reflecting on the parade the Marine City High School football team just had in their honor for winning the state championship. Their season began in August with conditioning and practices. Then they had non-league games, followed by their league games, and concluded with a long play-off run and championship game at Ford Field. It did not seem like an easy road to get to the Finals because it took hard work and probably moments to overcome adversity. However, once the task was completed and their hands held in victory, a whole community celebrated the achievement with celebrations and parties and a loud siren here or there. I enjoyed watching all these activities because it gave me an opportunity to reflect on how this championship run is like the Advent Season. Advent is our time to prepare for the coming of our new born King. We have four weeks to get ourselves ready for Jesus’ arrival. We will have moments of joy but there will be times of sorrow as well. Nothing will be easy for us because in order to achieve our quest we must be willing to make sacrifices to get there. That is why we must take advantage of those things being offered to help us get closer to the Christ Child. Things like: sacred scripture studies, reconciliation services, Eucharistic Adoration. These are just a few things to assist each of us until the final day arrives and we welcome our Savior! And when Jesus arrives we should celebrate as in victory because it is Jesus who accepted a task so that we could have life eternal with Him. And you never know we may even hear a siren or two. Even though I am looking forward to the Advent Season, my heart is troubled with concern about a movie that is about to be released on December 7th. The movie is called the Golden Compass and is based on the writings of Phillip Pullman. Mr. Pullman has created a work that is centered on destroying God and His Church. He is doing this through his books and now on the movie screen. Here is an idea of his theme: “I want to kill God in the minds of children…I want them to decide against God and the Kingdom of Heaven.” Mr. Pullman is trying to do what Jesus rebuked his followers from doing: “…Let the children come to me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” (Mark 10:14) I am discouraging you from taking your children to see this movie and reading his fictional novels. On the morning of this release date, I will be concentrating my time in front of the Blessed Sacrament that no man ever denies the children to coming to Jesus Christ as their Savior. But think of the foolishness of Hollywood. They open this movie on the day we celebrate St. Ambrose, bishop and doctor of the Church. This saint defended our Church through his words and his actions. Now, it is our time to follow in the footsteps of the saints and defend our faith and our traditions. We can do this by praying for the conversion of those who want to destroy God and His children. We can do this by loving our children and not denying them Christ. All My Prayers, Fr. Jim Thoughts From Your Pastoral Associate “The Lord, Jesus Christ, is our King! Let us always praise Him” There is a time for everything..” The Church invites us to move forward this day into a new liturgical year as we celebrate the 1st Sunday in Advent. Advent challenges us to develop and deepen our sense of timing. Jesus calls on all of us to “read the signs of the times” and to know “the times” we inhabit that we might live fully in the time God has chosen us to live. God wants all of us to be “On Time!” To be “on time” today alerts us to the necessity of being ready to welcome Jesus upon His arrival any day, any time. During Advent, we prepare once more for the coming of the Lord. Attentive to God’s Word and with renewed hope, Advent offers us time to be at home with God, to forgive and be forgiven, to appreciate God’s ever present faithfulness and promise, to reach out to those in need, and to prepare for the risen Lord Jesus to dwell with us more fully. It’s important for us to remember that the brief season of Advent is focused on preparing for Christmas. It is not part of the “Christmas Season.” The Christmas season does not begin until the first Mass on Christmas Eve, and doesn’t end liturgically until the Octave of the Epiphany on January 14th. We are encouraged to live Advent to the fullest, and not think that “Christmas is here” until it truly comes. There is a “time” for everything! Advent is a beautiful season filled with wonderful customs. It is a graced time, a new beginning in the midst of endings, and invites us to grasp the newness of life that God’s Holy Spirit desires to breathe into us. Advent Opportunities Celebrating the Liturgy of the Word with Children is one important way to prepare for Christmas and is a valuable time for prayer and simple instruction on the Sunday scriptures suitable to children. This will take place at Holy Cross during the 9:30 a.m. Liturgy and at St. Catherine during the 11:30 a.m. Liturgy. It is a way to help children grow in faith. They will enjoy it, and will want to be with other children and qualified catechists. The children will be called forward after the opening prayer and will rejoin their families at the beginning of the Liturgy of the Eucharist. Advent Bible Study for Adults is offered each of the weeks of Advent from 7:00 - 8:15 p.m. at St. Catherine’s Activity Center. Our reflection on Scripture will include the readings for each Sunday in Advent and the Psalm from the Lectionary. A recent study claimed that only 22% of American Catholics read the Bible regularly, and just 8% participate in scripture groups. The goal of reading the Bible is not learning new facts or getting merely private inspiration for living, but entering into deeper communion with God. Hope you can join us during Advent, and allow the Bible to help you to pray and understand more fully the presence of Jesus in His word. Trivia Time: Kudos to Pat Johnston, Elmer D’Ambrosio, Mary Lorkowski, Marilyn Wolshon, Spencer & Mary Adkins, Mary Minnich, and John Vance on successful discoveries! New question…What are the original occupations of these Bible persons? Moses, Amos, Peter, Matthew, Paul, Jesus? Choose any three! In Jesus’ love and peace, Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj pastoralminister@ourladyontheriver.net A Note From The Principal Happy New Year! Today marks the beginning of the new liturgical year. With the beginning of Advent, we ‘officially’ begin waiting for Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ. It seems that every year “Christmas” preparation starts earlier. This year, especially, I noticed, that ‘Christmas’ was starting before Halloween! Many stores had their Santas and reindeer lawn ornaments right next to the jack-o-lanterns and ghosts. I pray that as the stores and advertisements start promoting ‘Christmas’ that we will start to prepare at that time for the real reason for the season! This Advent, while you are preparing your hearts and homes for your families and friends, I hope that a special place will be prepared for Jesus. I am sure that many people have started, if not finished, their Christmas shopping. I am NOT one of those people. I always try to hold out for the perfect present. One gift that I know I won’t go wrong with is SCRIP. This program is truly a service. Numerous retailers are available. Did you know that you can pay for your holiday groceries, Christmas cards, gas, and many of the presents you buy, with SCRIP? Did you ever have someone that you REALLY don’t know what to buy for Christmas? How about a SCRIP gift certificate? These certificates are available in any denomination, and allow the recipient to choose what gift cards they would like. What better way to budget and support your parish school at the same time! Please contact the school office for more information. If you are looking for a gift that will keep giving, please consider making a donation to the Fr. Al Sadler Campaign. The Fr. Al Sadler Campaign chooses a project each year within the school. Last year, the campaign was able to purchase a mobile computer lab. This year, the campaign will be focusing on enhancing our lower elementary classrooms, providing them with quality materials and technology to meet the needs of ALL young learners. I was pleased to see a dedicated group of individuals who make contributions to this worthwhile cause. I would like to see all of our school families, as well as our parish families, make some kind of contribution to this cause. It truly illustrates the love that the parish has for its school. Many times, donations to these funds are made as memorials. Why not make a donation in thanksgiving for someone you love? On Monday, the Market Day orders will be coming in. These products make entertaining so much easier! On Monday, our boys’ basketball teams will play at St. Mary’s in St. Clair. On Wednesday, we will host St. Mary’s. On Thursday, the fruit from our annual citrus sale will arrive. Thank you for supporting this event! On Friday, our seventh and eighth graders will be having a holiday dance from 7-9 p.m. in the activity center. Our drama club is rehearsing for their upcoming play, which will be held in conjunction with our Christmas concert on Wednesday, December 19 at the East China Performing Arts Center. Mark your calendars today for this fun event. More information will follow next week. In His Service, Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal Please pray for our sick and suffering St. Mark: Betty Baker, Margaret Brosofski, Marie Burr, Ken Cihon, Marge Hamlin, Paul and Shirley Hollowaty, Angie Kronner, Sally O’Neil, Sophie Palmer, Barbara Persyn, Bob Soulliere, Donna Thomas, Patrick Tierney, Stella Tomaszycki, JoAnn White, Paulette Wieczorek, Keith Wright St. Catherine Church: Hank Babisz, Christine Chominski, Lillian Downhauser, Ernest Craft, Anne Guillery, Vincent John, Barbara Malik, Jackie McIntosh, Gerald “Drake” Meldrum, Aaron Milenbaugh, Amanda O’Regan, Bill Sadecki, Connie Spangler, David Somervell, the Steven’s Family, MaryAnn Townsend, Catherine Ziegler Holy Cross: Richard Anderson, David Arnold, Sue Ann Balaker, David Basney, Marcia Boyd, Wendy Furtah, Jill (Postalka) Furtaw, Cindy Griffor, Della (Lee) Harrick, Debbie Higgins, Agnes Horn, James Keelan, Jim Kuykendall, Helen Leibold, David McDowell, Josephine Michalski, Marty Osborne, Tony Pizzo, Joann Rix, Laurie Rix, Nancy Rix, Larry & Barbara Rutkowski, Lorena Sadler, Barbara Shonk, Kori Sirochman, Emily J. Smith, Shirley Steinmetz, Renee Thurlow, Alice Trader, Carol Uppleger, Kathy Vayko, John Weisend Day/Time Ministers of the Word Altar Servers EME Usher Sacristan/Greeters Saturday 4:00 p.m. St. Catherine Fr. Bodde Ted Piotrowski (will be contacted) Carol Fett Aline Irvine Joan Klebba Aggie LaCombe Donna LaPorte John McQuade John Vance Karl Malik Harold Meldrum Craig Neumann S Malik/Sacristan Sandy Malik Jim Kane Shirley Stafford Pearl Nagy 5:30 p.m. Holy Cross Msgr. Browne Mary Patrick Jamie Sharpe David Sharpe Grant Sharpe Sunday 8:00 a.m. Holy Cross Fr. Koshy Wynne Achatz Robert Goldenbogen Natalie Sykes Gerald St. James 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross Fr. Lopez Wally Street DJ Burns Alicia Burns Rebecca Tomasek Outreach: Wally Street & Maurine Springborn 10:00 a.m. St. Mark Fr. Kowalczyk Stephanie Spencer Please help if needed Bill Forster Jim Miller 11:30 a.m. St Catherine Fr. Broderick Robert Pontseele (will be contacted) Diana Dill Nancy Gebauer Donna Radulski Judy Antkowiak Tony Antkowiak Gene Elrod Gene Elrod Ken Morgulec Bill Oddo Ken Radulski Greg Walquist J Piotrowski/Sacristan Barbara Ptasnik Elfriede Trombley Eric Morehead Maureen Morehead 10:00 a.m. St. Mark Fr. Kowalczyk Jenny Laethem Dick Kronner Len Verlinden Immaculate Conception 9:00 a.m. St Catherine Fr. Lopez Sister Mary Ann (will be contacted) *if you are at Mass, please come forward to serve (will be contacted) W Edie/Sacristan 9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Fr. Koshy (will be contacted) (will be contacted) Holy Cross CSA Target (1006 families) $54,000.00 Pledged (405 families) $46,021.00 Balance Needed $7,979.00 St. Catherine Church CSA Target (548 families) $41,000.00 Pledged (255 families) $29,200.00 Balance Needed $11,800.00 Parish Directory www.OurLadyontheRiver.net Fr. James Lopez, Pastor Fr. Koshy Chirakkarottu, Associate Pastor Fr. Sig Kowalczyk, Fr. Fred Bodde, Fr. Leo Broderick & Msgr. George Browne, Senior Priests ***Holy Cross*** 810-765-3568 FAX 810-765-2974 www.HolyCrossOnline.net e-mail church@holycrossonline.net Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. (closed 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. for lunch) Saturday 1:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. ***St. Catherine*** 810-794-3301 FAX 810-794-1849 www.StCatherineOnline.net e-mail info@stcatherineonline.net Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Friday 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. Saturday 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. ***St. Mark*** 810-748-3828 FAX 810-748-9148 www.StMarkOnline.net e-mail info@stmarkonline.net Office Hours: Tuesday - Friday 9:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. Bulletin Info bulletin e-mail bulletin@OurLadyontheRiver.net (deadline 12 noon Monday) Sacrament of Reconciliation 3:00 p.m. Holy Cross 1st & 3rd Saturdays St. Catherine 2nd & 4th Saturdays St. Mark 1st Fridays before Mass Sacrament of Baptism 12:45 p.m. Holy Cross 3rd Sunday St. Catherine last Sunday St. Mark by appointment membership & preparation required Please call your Church Office to register & verify dates. Marriages: Membership & six month preparation period required. Mass Schedule Saturday 4:00 p.m. St. Catherine 5:30 p.m. Holy Cross Sunday 8:00 a.m. & 9:30 a.m. Holy Cross 10:00 a.m. St. Mark 11:30 a.m. St. Catherine Monday 9:00 a.m. St. Catherine Tuesday 9:00 a.m. St. Catherine & St. Mark Wednesday 9:00 a.m. Holy Cross & St. Mark Thursday 9:00 a.m. St. Mark Friday 9:00 a.m. Holy Cross & St. Mark St. Mark CSA Target (140 families) $12,300.00 Pledged (83 families) 12,555.00 Over Goal $255.00 St. Mark 130 Families 48 Envelopes: $1,065.00 Loose Cash: $ 107.00 Total: $1,172.00 St. Catherine Church 548 Parish Families 236 Envelopes: $4,991.50 Loose: $475.20 Children: $23.50 Total $5,490.70 Holy Cross 1015 Families 323 Envelopes $7,909.32 Loose Cash $528.71 Children $15.90 Total $8,453.93 Collection of Sunday, November 25, 2007 Names will remain on the sick list for a length of four weeks. Please contact the office to make other arrangements. Faith Formation/Catechetics Catechetical leaders from throughout the Archdiocese of Detroit will gather for an Advent Day of Reflection this week at the Retreat Center at St. John’s. “The Gifts of St. Nicholas: Living on Through You and Me” will explore the Advent/Christmas themes of generosity and gift, using prayer, story, music, quiet reflection and sharing to lead to a deeper awareness of God’s greatest gift to the world, Emmanuel. Gifts to the Catholic Services Appeal help fund gatherings like these, which are valuable faith enrichment experiences for Catechetical leaders in parishes, Catholic school and area colleges. Through the work of the Office for Faith Formation/Catechetics, the Archdiocese of Detroit supports Catechetical leaders by providing consultation concerning policy, curriculum guidelines and text selection, as well as professional growth opportunities and certification. Because both Holy Cross and St. Catherine are seriously behind on our CSA Goal, a reminder letter has been sent to all members that have not responded. We apologize if you received this additional letter in error. We would like to thank those that have responded. Remember, if we do not achieve our target, the funds will be taken from the Parish general operating budget. If you have not responded to the CSA as of yet, won’t you please take the time now to contribute and help your parish and others. Congratulations to the parishioners at St. Mark, for exceeding their goal!!! CSA Minute Exposition of Blessed Sacrament Exposition and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament will be held for one hour following Mass as below: the first Tuesday, December 4 following 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine and the first Friday, December 7 following 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Benediction and closing will follow after one hour of adoration. Support of this devotion is vital. Please join us on November 6 at St. Catherine One In The Spirit Prayer Group Tuesday @ 6:45 P.M. December 5 - Advent/Christmas Healing Mass, Love offering December 10 - Prayer Group Christmas party, DCCR collection December 18 - No Prayer Group Meeting Our meeting is held at 6:45 p.m. in St Catherine Chapel. All parishioners are welcome to join us to sing praises to the Lord, listen to His World, pray and fellowship. Questions call Jeanne 810-765-4688 or Suzette 810-794-3769. If you are in need of prayer for yourself or someone else, write your requests in the Prayer Petition Books located by each exit of St. Catherine Church, the Prayer Group prays over them weekly-year round. To be placed on the prayer chain call Eloise at 810-794-9975. Attention Holy Cross Members Christmas Choir Wants You! The Christmas Choir will take the place of All Generations Choir in December, rehearsing in the choir loft on four Saturdays before Christmas, December 1, 8, 15, 22, at 4.30 p.m. The Christmas Choir will sing at the early Christmas Eve Mass, 3:30 p.m. on Monday, December 24. All ages are welcome! All singers are encouraged to join! Parents and children together; aunts and uncles; friends and neighbors. We were all given a voice that God meant for us to use in his praise. This is an opportunity to start our young people into a lifetime of joy in praise of our Redeemer by having them sing with adults, not apart from them. The Holy Cross Choir invites singers to consider joining the choir for the holiday season, especially for the Christmas Eve "Midnight Mass." We are presently working on Christmas music so now is the time to join us at Tuesday 7:00 p.m. rehearsal in the choir loft. "If you want to know what we believe, listen to our songs" ~St. Augustine ~Daniel John Susan, Director of Music Ministries, Holy Cross Church December 2, 2007 St. Mark Men’s Club News Annual Christmas Party St. Mark Activity Center Friday, December 7th BYOB Cocktails 6:30 p.m. Catered Dinner 7:00 p.m. Exchange Gifts (optional) Tickets $10, see Jim Miller Christmas Giving Trees “The Giving Trees” are decorated and ready for your generous response. For those of you unfamiliar with our Giving Tree, you simply take an ornament from the tree, purchase the item named on the ornament and return it with the ornament/tag securely attached to the package. At Holy Cross, please have the gifts wrapped, with the exception of gifts for Compassion Pregnancy Center please place these items in a “baby” gift bag rather than gift wrap it, this will help them in sorting the gifts. At St Catherine there are two trees - One designated for children’s hats, scarves, gloves and socks and the second for adult toiletries. The children’s items will go to Our Lady of Guadalupe and adult items will be distributed to several places. At. St. Catherine and at St. Mark, please return the gifts UNWRAPPED. Please return all gifts by the weekend of December 8th & 9th. May the peace and blessings of the Divine Child be yours this Christmas and always. Died in Christ Please remember in your prayers: V Michael Rumps Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord. Let the Perpetual Light shine upon him. May he rest in peace. Amen. Holy Cross Usher Club Christmas Party / Meeting With Breakfast December 16, 2007 @ 10:30 Holy Cross Activity Center We will also be finalizing Elections. RSVP to Dennis Fracassi or Tom Cook to ensure we have enough food to feed everyone. There Is a Place in the Circle for YOU! Did you know that Our Lady on the River Parish has a preschool for three- and four-year-olds? The preschool at Holy Cross Catholic School still has room for your child, grandchild, niece, or nephew? Many different schedules are available along with extended care before and after. For a tour, more information or to answer all your questions, please feel free to contact us anytime during the school day at 810-765-3591. Mrs. Amanda Lund, our school principal, or Mrs. Carolyn Krum, our preschool teacher, will be happy to tell you more about our programs. We are dedicated to “Educating Tomorrow’s Christian Leaders!” We welcome children of all faiths! St. Mark Women’s Guild All Occasion Note Cards with Envelopes on Sale Beautiful Drawing of St. Mark Church on the Cover Available at Church Entrance $1.50 for one; $5.00 a bundle Our Lady on the River “One in the Spirit” Prayer Group Wednesday, December 5, 2007 Mass at 7:00 p.m. St Catherine Church Celebrant-Father John Esper Praise & Worship-Bea Wassenberg & St Catherine’s Choir from 6:30-7:00 p.m. Following Mass: Sacrament of Healing, Adoration, Prayer Teams and Choir Ensemble Aren’t we all in need of Jesus’ healing? JESUS is the Master Healer! If you are worrying about your future and need support and guidance come to the healing Mass sponsored by “One in the Spirit Prayer Group” at St Catherine Church of Algonac. Participating in a Healing Mass can give you new hope and forgiveness. The support you’ll get from your prayers can help lift your soul and fuel your mind to look at things differently. Rejuvenate your outlook. Find out more by attending! Suzette Lomasney 810-794-3769 Jeanne Crowl 810-765-4488 Retirement Fund for Religious Next week’s appeal for the Retirement Fund for Religious asks us to recall those women and men religious whose ministry has nourished our own faith, served our church, and strengthened our nation. Today, more than 37,000 women and men religious are past age 70. Their institutes face critical economic challenges as the costs of health care escalate and as the need for handicapped-accessible housing increases. Please give generously. Advent Bible Study No Registration Needed Please join Sister Mary Ann and many Our Lady on the River Parish members for the Advent Bible Study, from 7:00-8:15 p.m. at St Catherine Activity Center. December 4, 12 & 18 Please join us. Everyone is welcome. Thank You From SVdP Holy Cross Thank you to everyone for your generosity in donating to our cause in the month of November and at Thanksgiving. We are all aware of how hard our town and surrounding area has been affected by the poor economic conditions here in Michigan. We are receiving requests for help at the rectory on a daily basis. The number of home visits we have made has risen to almost one per day, a 50% increase when compared to last year. During this time of year we especially anticipate, a growing need for help with heating, utility and rent bills. Even with your continuing donations, we are quickly depleting our funds. Any additional contributions you can make during this holiday season will be greatly appreciated by the Society and by the needy of our community. Envelopes are always at the exits, you may return them in the collection or at the rectory. God bless Christmas Handbell Concert The national acclaimed Handbell ensemble “The Classical Bells”, will perform a Christmas program on Saturday, December 15th at 7:00 p.m. at St Catherine’s Church. The Program will consist of festive holiday music in various styles. Classical Bells’ instrumentation consists of 68 bronze plus 6 aluminum English Handbells, along with a six octave set of hand chimes. Noted for combining outstanding musicianship with an entertaining presentation, Classical Bells is always as delightful to watch as it is to hear. A perfect evening for the whole family! Tickets are $10.00 for adults and $7.00 for children and seniors and may be purchased now or at the door. Proceeds to benefit the Algonac Music Club scholarship fund. For tickets and information, contact Bea Wassenberg at 810-794-0098. Physical Spiritual Emotional Unemployed? Dealing with a serious illness? Just feeling down? 2008 Calendar Raffle The Holy Cross School Calendar Raffle draws three names every month for the $100 monthly prize and in December one name is drawn for the grand prize of $1000!! Calendar Raffle tickets are available in the school and in the Rectory Office for $25 each. Just think, if your name was picked for every drawing, you could win a total of $2100 ! ! ! Advent Blue Books The little blue books, originally inspired and composed by the late Bishop Kenneth Untener of the Saginaw Diocese, hold daily six-minute reflections on the Advent and Christmas-time scriptures with practical suggestions. These books are once again available for parishioners near the entrances of the Church. You are invited to take one home with you to help in your spiritual preparation for Christmas. Casting the Net Please visit our new website: www.OurLadyontheRiver.net for information on our parish, on St. Mark Chapel, St. Catherine Church, and Holy Cross Church, as well as Holy Cross School. This is still a work in progress, so please email me with broken links, typos, or other concerns. The website provides information for our parish community and also presents us to the internet community, connecting us to the world. Barbara Susan Webmaster@OurLadyontheRiver.net Join With Us As We Honor the Memories of Our Children! The Compassionate Friends Worldwide Candle Lighting is held every year on the second Sunday in December at 7:00 p.m. for one hour local time around the globe - a 24 hour wave of light in memory of all children who have died. Next Sunday, December 9th, hundreds of community candle lighting ceremonies will be held. Thousands more will be held informally at homes. Join us here in Holy Cross Church at 7:00 p.m. please bring your own candle. We will include a short prayer service, where you will be invited to speak of or pray for the memory of a special child that was taken from us too soon. Contact Susan Tomlanovich for more information, at 810-765-3616. … that their light may always SHINE ! ! ! Parish Pot Luck St. Catherine Activity Center Saturday, December 1st We will provide chicken if you will please bring a dish to share. Dinner will be served immediately following the 4:00 p.m. Mass. Santa will visit the children so be sure they have their list ready. Please join us for a great time! Our Lady on the River Parish Monday, December 3 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church V Agnes Schmitt by Bill & Dolores Rumenapp V Bill Moran by Wife (3rd Anniversary Remembrance) Tuesday, December 4 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church V Bill Moran by Wife (Birthday Remembrance) 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel Wednesday, December 5 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V James Rose by Bill & Louise Streitz Thursday, December 6 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church ? For All Parishioners of Our Lady on the River Friday, December 7 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V Harry Lesko by Cousin, Janet Yokum & Joe V Huey Kessel by Wife & Family (5th Anniversary Remembrance) V Bill Jones by Family (Birthday Remembrance) Saturday, December 8, Immaculate Conception 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Catherine Church 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross V Patti Page by Our Lady on the River Religious Education Department 10:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel 4:00 p.m. at St. Catherine Church V John & Laura Ankoviak by Family V Albert & Alma Mihelich by the Mihelich Family V Anthony Grech by Wife (9th Anniversary Remembrance) V Deceased Stemple, McCormick & Garshott Families by Wassenberg Family V Helen Gallo by Family (30th Anniversary Remembrance) 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V Dr. Merl Beauchamp by Bob & Joan Beauchamp V Abbie & Amelia Cullen by Margaret Murphy & Family V Deceased Members of Klinck & Morris Families V James Snider by Wife & Family (3rd Anniversary Remembrance) Sunday, December 9 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V Joseph & Reina Jaminet by Family V Parents of bill & Betty Zweng 9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V Deceased Members of Pizzo Family by Tony & Barb V Fr. Donald Bartone by Daughters of Isabella #419 V Patti Page by Eugene & Joan Pollock 10:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel continued 11:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Church V Joseph Check by Peter & Lorraine Budyta V Alvina Bishoff by Husband (Birthday Remembrance) In celebration of this Holy Day of Obligation, Mass will be at 9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross, and St Catherine. Mass at St. Mark will be at 10:00 a.m. Please note that Mass fulfilling this Holy Day of Obligation does not fulfill your Sunday Obligation. Cardinal Mooney Honor Roll The Cardinal Mooney family is enriched by the presence of your sons and daughters in our school. They give of themselves...and they give much. Thank you for sharing them with us. It gives us great pleasure, therefore, to announce our First Quarter Honor Roll for the 2007-2008 school year : Principal’s List All A’s Mary Kate Bachler Chelsea Dewitte Claire Tatro Meghan Vernier First Honors Minimum Of 3 A’s No Grade Lower Than A B Amanda Charney David Glowski Bradly Guldemond Caitlin Hardwick Oliver Hopton Rachel Hardwick Steven Miodonski Alec Neale James Nicaise Anthony Polio Brittany Ricke Patrick Ruhlman Francis Senger Richie Sharpe Stevon Sykes Jonathan Sherman Alyssa VanBoekel Second Honors – All B’s With 2 Or Less A’s Maggie Bachler Jacob Pelzer Craig Sykes December Prayer Theme: “Evangelization: Good News for the Poor” Throughout the calendar year 2007, we have been reflecting on the privilege we have received of being evangelizers, proclaiming the Good News of the Death-Resurrection of Jesus Christ for the salvation of the world. During this season of Advent, as we prepare to celebrate once more Christ’s birth among us, it is good for us to remember that He came in poverty and specifically described His mission as bringing “Good News to the poor.” Individually, as families, and as a Church, let us strive to hear and proclaim Good News to the poor! God and Father of our Lord, Jesus Christ, you sent your Son among us to share every aspect of our human journey—including the poverty of our human condition, the frustration, pain, and challenge of the dying process. As He proclaimed Good News to the poor by His own life-witness and by His choice to be identified with the least of His brothers and sisters, may we learn to do the same. As we prepare to celebrate His birth once more, renew in us a desire to follow the path of Christ, the way of poverty and simplicity, that we might hear and proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever. Amen Holy Cross Catholic School First Quarter Honors ** indicates All As Kindergarten: Perfect Attendance Jessica Barr, Alaina Laster, Ethan Rogus, Zachary Schafer. First Grade: Joseph Cullen, Kaitlyn Rittner. Second Grade: Caitlin Downey **Calvin LaBelle **Rachel May Larry Blicharz, Joey Horn, Calvin LaBelle, **Jillian Patrick **Luke Schulte Madeline White Luke Schulte. Third Grade: Grace Fielhauer Alexis Semaan Billy Steve Emily Bryer, Grace Fielhauer, Nick Greathouse, Lilly Wolf Billy Steve, Lilly Wolf. Fourth Grade: Gabrielle Alarie **Annemarie Heitz Rachelle LaFontaine Julia Blicharz, Ruthie Polio. **Ruthie Polio Rebecca Schultz Fifth Grade: Brad Butros Frankie MacKenzie **Alex May Lizzie Maben, Frankie MacKenzie, Jon Moreton, **Greg Miodonski **Linda Miodonski **Jon Moreton Michael Polio, Brianna Rickel, Kenton Rivard. Michael Polio **Brianna Rickel Breagh Rickerman Kenton Rivard Grant Sharpe Dion VanBoekel Abigail Vernier Sixth Grade: Brandon Alarie **Cale Chaltron **Hollis Glowniak Cale Chaltron, Hollis Glowniak, Alyssa Khalifa, Caroline Glowski Alyssa Khalifa **Marissa Khalifa Marissa Khalifa, Julia Schafer, Tyler Smith, Angelica Ludwig Amy McGillis Matt McGillis Jason Zichi. Nicholas Patrick Nicholas Rumancik Julia Schafer **Kylie Schuh **Natalie Sykes Jason Zichi Seventh Grade: Rick Berschbach **Ginny Fielhauer **MacKenzie Govier Ginny Fielhauer, MacKenzie Govier, Jacob Hanna Veronica Heitz Ashley Johnson Woody Hopton, Rachael Moreton, Elijah Nicaise, **Rachael Moreton Elijah Nicaise **Annika Peterson Zack Pawlak, Jeff Ruemenapp, David Sharpe, **Ben Rickel David Sharpe Thomas Strieter Thomas Strieter, Andre Wassenberg. Erik Sykes Jeremy Todd Kiley Vargo Eighth Grade: Dana Hardwick Lucas Laster **Alexandra MacKenzie Brandon Charney, Lucas Laster, Zach May **Megan Perini Mariah Rickerman Alexandra MacKenzie, Megan Perini, Kourtney Rogus Torie Ruemenapp Kevin Rumancik Kourtney Rogus, Staci Shackett. Ryan Schuh Staci Shackett **Kelsey Simon Wade Vinson Our Lady on the River Calendar of Events Monday, December 3 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine 9:30 a.m. St. Catherine St Vincent de Paul MOMS Group at St Catherine 5:30 p.m. Religious Education at Holy Cross 7:00 p.m. K of C Euchre, Algonac Tuesday, December 4 9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine followed by Exposition Mass at St. Mark 5:30 p.m. Religious Education at Holy Cross 7:00 p.m. Advent Bible Study at St Catherine K of C Officers, Algonac Choir Rehearsal at Holy Cross Wednesday, December 5 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Mass at St. Mark 12:00 p.m. Ladies Guild Christmas Luncheon 6:30 p.m. Praise and Worship at St Catherine 7:00 p.m. Healing Mass at St Catherine Hand Bell Rehearsal at Holy Cross Thursday, December 6 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Mass at St. Catherine 10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mark 7:30 p.m. Ensemble Practice at St Catherine Friday, December 7 9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross followed by Exposition Mass at St. Mark 6:00 p.m. K of C Christmas Party, Algonac 6:30 p.m. Men’s Club Christmas Party, St Marks Saturday, December 8, Immaculate Conception Return Giving Tree Gifts 9:00 a.m. Mass at St Catherine Mass at St. Mark Mass at Holy Cross 3:00 p.m. Confessions at St Catherine 4:00 p.m. Mass at St Catherine 4:30 p.m. Christmas Choir Practice at Holy Cross 5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross Sunday, December 9 Return Giving Tree Gifts 8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross 9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross, Child Liturgy Religious Education Pre-K at Holy Cross 10:00 a.m. Mass at St Mark Adult Choir Practice at St Catherine 11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine, Children Liturgy 1-3:30p.m. Children’s Christmas Party K of C, Algonac 7:00 p.m. Candle Lighting at Holy Cross Correction to Calendar for Religious Education Religious Education Classes on Monday and Tuesday, December 17 & 18 will meet in Church for 5:00 p.m. Mass. Please note time change. All students (and parents if you wish) are asked to be in church by 4:50 p.m. for the special 5:00 p.m. Mass that will be celebrated for all students of the Religious Education Program. Please mark this time change on your calendar. We ask the students to meet together for Mass once a year and pray that all students will be in attendance at this specially prepared Mass. Come One, Come All To The K of C Christmas Parties The Algonac Knights of Columbus is hosting an adult Christmas Party, Friday December 7th at 6:00 p.m. Cocktails & appetizers; 7:00 p.m. Dinner. Sirloin Beef, pork loin and roasted chicken will be served along with a full array of vegetables. Cost is $15 per person which includes 2 drink tickets. Please call Don or Max Zamborowski at 810-794-4320 or Ann Lines at 810-794-9876. Tickets must be purchased by December 3rd. Everyone is welcome. The Algonac Knights of Columbus is also hosting a children’s Christmas Party on Sunday, December 9th from 1:00 to 3:30 p.m. at the Algonac K of C Hall. Special quest Crazy Chris the Magician and Santa will be their, too. Hot dogs chips and pop with dessert will be served free of charge. Please call in reservations by December 5th to Don or Max Zamborowski at 810-794-4320. Everyone is welcome. We will be cleaning the Church this Monday, December 3rd starting at 8:30 a.m. Please bring rags and polish as we will be polishing the pews and wood work in the main part of church. Men are needed to clean high places. In the event of a funeral, we will clean on Tuesday, the 4th. There will be a second collection to purchase flowers for Christmas taken at all the Masses this weekend and next. You should have received an envelope for Christmas flowers in your offertory envelopes that were mailed to your home. Thank you for helping to make our Church come alive for the birth of Christ. We will start decorating the Church for Christmas on Sunday, December 16th at 1:00 p.m. Once again, much help is needed. Any time you can give is appreciated!! The ladies of the Altar Society do so much for Holy Cross, most of which is behind the scenes, won’t you please help, if you are able. Thank You!! Holy Cross Altar Society Needs Your Help to Clean Church for Christmas K of C News Algonac Council 7227 Euchre Club The next meeting of the Euchre Club will be December 3. Play begins at 7:00 p.m. sharp. Men & women are welcome. Admission is $5.00. Book Sale The next book sale will be Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday, January 15, 16 & 17 from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m. Thanks for your support. Ladies Auxiliary News The next meeting will be Thursday, January 17th at 1:00 p.m. in the Knights of Columbus Hall. New members are always welcome. Thank you to everyone who baked and/or bought at our Bake Sale. It was very successful. Late Nite Catechism 2 written by Maripat Donovan Saturday, December 1st at 7:30 p.m. Holy Cross Activity Center NO BLEACHER SEATING HANDICAP SEATING AVAILABLE Ticket Prices $25 Tickets Available at Door proceeds from the evening will be shared among the youth from our parish going to World Youth Day, Sydney, Australia, July 2008 Join us for Southern Gospel and Christmas Music performed by the Gospelmen Quartet Sunday, December 9th 7:00 p.m. St. John’s United Church of Christ 227 West Blvd, Marine City free will offering First Sunday of Advent Reflection Always at the beginning of Advent the Church invites us to think ahead. The Gospel contains a clear warning and a judgment, admonishing us to “stay awake.” Instead of leading us to helplessness and paralyzing fear, the Gospel surprises us with an opportunity to be prepared. Instead of floundering, we have our whole lifetime and the guidance of the priceless gift of the Good News of Jesus Christ to accompany us on our journey into the future. This is what God offers us so we will not be left. (living Liturgy, p. 2) Festival of Real Christmas Trees Come join The Algonac Lioness Club at the First Annual Downriver Charitable Festival of Real Christmas Trees! There will be a beautiful display of decorated trees, refreshments, visiting and pictures with Santa. The event will take place at Fox Fire Farms (8061 Marsh Rd.) between November 23 and December 24. The hours are : Monday - Thursday 6-9 p.m. Friday & Saturday 6-10 p.m. Sunday 6-8 p.m. Santa has arrived and will visit each weekend Friday through Sunday. His helpers will assist with photos. Tickets are available from your Algonac Lioness Club and can also be purchased from St. Catherine’s and Holy Cross Church. Tickets are $1.00 each (Children - 1 Ticket, Adults - 2 Tickets). Please join us at this festive time . All tickets sold will directly affect charity in your community! Advent Tea December 14th; 7:00 p.m. Holy Family Parish 79780 Main Street; Memphis Guest speaker: Fr. Tony Sulkowski Music with Rob Cheyne Please RSVP to Marlene Brown 586-727-1696 Cost: $5.00 per person Marine City Interfaith Choir Christmas Concert Sunday, December 16th; 4:00 p.m. St. Martin’s Lutheran Church S. William Street, Marine City Flutist: Michelle Schueneman Organist: Daniel Susan Accompanist: Karen Dunlap Director: Carole Lohr Come Enjoy the Music of the Season A free-will offering will be taken First Friday Club of the Blue Water Area The December meeting of the First Friday Club will take place on Friday, December 7, following the 8:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mary’s Church in St. Clair. After Mass, members and guests will meet at Achatz Riverview Restaurant (201 N. Riverside) for a buffet breakfast. $10 for members and $11 for non-members. To make your reservation, please call Rose Scheuer @ 586-713-7860 by Wednesday, December 5. D OF I News The Daughters of Isabella Circle 419 will be having a Memorial Mass for Father Donald Bartone at Holy Cross Church on Sunday, December 9th at 9:30 AM. Our Red Jackets are in order. After Mass we will be going to the Riviera for the Breakfast Buffet. Please come. Shirley Farley has requested cookies (two dozen homemade or commercial) for our Troops in Iraq. They can be delivered to her at 241 Michigan (in the condos, south of West Blvd off King Road). The Altar Society and D of I Christmas Party will be on Monday December 17th at the K of C Banquet Center on King Road. Refreshments will be at 6:00 p.m. and dinner at 6:30 p.m. Members and guests, and any ladies of Our Lady On The River Parish, are welcome. You can make reservations until December 11th by calling Jeanette Osterland at 810-765-5573 or Marilyn Westrick at 810-765-5747. Payment of $12.00 should be mailed to Jeanette Osterland, 7046 Lindsey Rd., China, MI 48054 or Marilyn Westrick, 6153 Marine City Hwy., Cottrellville, MI 48039. Donations to the St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry are requested in place of the gift exchange. Any questions, please call Mary Jane Basney at 765-4527. Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary Holy Day of Obligation Saturday, December 8 Please Return Your Giving Tree Gifts Next Weekend, December 8 & 9 Communal Penance Services Tuesday, December 4, 7 p.m. Our Lady of Mt. Caramel Saturday, December 8, 11 a.m. St. Mary, St. Clair Monday, December 10, 7 p.m. St. Edward Church Wednesday, December 12, 7 p.m. St. Mary Queen of Creation Wednesday, December 12, 7 p.m. St. Mary, Port Huron Thursday, December 13,6:30 p.m. St. Joseph, Port Huron Saturday, December 15, 3 p.m. St. Mary, Port Huron Monday, December 17, 7 p.m. Holy Cross Tuesday, December 18, 7 p.m. Holy Family, Memphis Wednesday, December 19, 7 p.m. St. Augustine Readings for the Week of December 2, 2007 Sunday: Is 2:1-5/Rom 13:11-14/Mt 24:37-44 Monday: Is 4:2-6/Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24/Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Gn 3:9-15, 20/Eph 1:3-6, 11-12/Lk 1:26-38 Next Sunday: Is 11:1-10/Rom 15:4-9/Mt 3:1-12 ©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc