Our Lady On The River Parish, Holy Cross Church, St. Catherine of Alexandria Church, St. Mark Chapel
3rd Sunday of Advent December 16, 2007
Sponsor of the Week Hank Schweihofer & Sons, Inc.
Pastor's Page
As we are coming closer to Christmas, I would like to remind you to take advantage of the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Tomorrow evening, 7:00 p.m. in Holy
Cross Church, we are celebrating this sacrament of healing for those who have not had an opportunity to go to confession since the Lenten season or maybe just have not
gone in a long time. I encourage all members to come, but if one cannot make tomorrow’s service please try to attend another service within the vicariate. Remember how it
is stated in the Catechism of the Catholic Church: “It is called the sacrament of Reconciliation, because it imparts to the sinner the love of God who reconciles: ‘Be
reconciled to God.’”
I was very pleased with how our children from Holy Cross and Cardinal Mooney Schools came into church and participated in this Sacrament of Reconciliation. Our
teachers had them well prepared and I appreciate their efforts in assisting me with this task. I also want to thank the priests that came to assist me. Frs. Burgard and
Deteres took time out of their parish schedules to help with the kids. And I can’t forget Msgr. Browne and Frs. Bodde, Ritter because they did not hesitate when we called
for their assistance. I am extremely grateful to for their helping hands. Their generosity reminds me daily that I cannot do this assignment alone.
Speaking of helping hands, we are still in need of altar servers for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. I am encouraging altar servers to sign up as
soon as possible because I do not want to rush around the church looking for servers on Mass Day. Our seminarians, who will be on their semester break, will be helping at
some of the Masses but not all.
My Prayers to All,
Fr. Jim
pastor@ourladyontheriver.net
Thoughts From Your Pastoral Associate
“The LORD, our LIGHT, will dawn upon the darkness; Let us give thanks and praise!”
On the 1st Sunday of Advent, we were advised to ‘stay awake’ as we began our preparations to celebrate the coming of God in the birth of Jesus. The 2nd Sunday
of Advent encouraged us to focus on realizing what really matters…to live the just life, the kind life, the Christ life, to do something specific to bring peace into the world.
The Mass text and readings today, the 3rd Sunday of Advent, are full of joy. The kind of joy we experience in knowing that our redemption is close at hand. Isaiah
speaks of the desert blooming and great rejoicing. Jesus brings seemingly impossible joy to those whose lives are limited by burdens beyond their control. Today used to be
called “Gaudete Sunday”, from the first word of the Entrance Antiphon in Latin. Gaudete means “Rejoice!” We light the “pink” or “rose” colored candle. This Sunday can be a
relaxing break reminding us of the grand celebrations soon to come. The excitement is growing. It’s time now to put up the Christmas tree, and little by little begin putting
lights and decorations on the branches. Create little surprises for others. Write Christmas notes in your cards. Christmas is a time of gifts - both giving and receiving. Let’s
make sure that among the gifts we offer to others is some of the Christian joy which we ourselves have received.
We patiently continue to develop a deeper relationship in faith with Christ, a new beginning, welcoming the mystery of Christ’s presence among us, this is what
Christmas is all about - and gives great cause to celebrate…the hope, the joy, the love, the gift Jesus brings.
A training session for new Lectors & Eucharistic Ministers will be scheduled soon. Have you ever thought of becoming a Lector or Eucharistic Minister? If you
would like to serve your Parish in this way, please contact me and watch this space for announcement of the training dates.
This Tuesday, the 18th will be our final evening for the Advent Bible Study. Please join us in the St. Catherine Activity Center at 7:00 p.m. Everyone is invited,
whether you already attended any of the previous sessions or not. It will be worth your while to come spend time with us as we study and discuss the Word.
Trivia...applause to John Vance, Mary Minnich, Mary Lorkowski, Spencer & Mary Adkins and Pat Johnston for naming John the Baptist!
New question: In the Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem, there is a silver star beneath the Greek altar which proclaims in Latin a graced event. What is the English
meaning of that phrase?
My prayer, love and support for you,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralminister@ourladyontheriver.net
A Note From The Principal
Today we begin the third week of Advent. According to my little blue Advent book, today is traditionally referred to as “Gaudete Sunday.” Gaudete is Latin for “rejoice.”
As the principal of Holy Cross Catholic School, I have many reasons to rejoice, not only during this Advent season, but always. I have a wonderful husband and family who
support me in my vocation as a Catholic school administrator. I work with a supportive staff that that is truly dedicated to the education of the students in our parish and
community. Our school has remarkable parents that work as our partners in education. We also have amazing students that try their best to live our mission each day. On
this Gaudete Sunday, I hope that you will be able to rejoice as well.
On Monday, our boys’ basketball teams will host St. Peter’s. Game time is 6:30 p.m. Basketball games are an excellent way to spend a chilly evening. The
games can truly keep you on the edge of your seat! On Tuesday, the students will bring home their progress reports for the second marking period. It’s amazing to see
how quickly the time goes by. On Wednesday evening, we will be at the East China Performing Arts Center for our annual Christmas program. The Holy Cross Drama
Club, under the direction of Ms. Ward, Ms. Morelli, and Mrs. Hanna, will be presenting the play Mr. Scrooge Finds Christmas. Many thanks to Mr. Daniel Susan and our
school choir for assisting in this event. Our students, under the direction of Mrs. Madonna Knotts and Ms. Alison White, will be performing various holiday songs, both vocal
and instrumental. The program begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday is our last day of school before Christmas vacation. We will return to school on Thursday, January 3, 2008.
Preschool will resume on Monday, January 7, 2008.
One of my favorite Christmas memories activities is making cookies. When I was young, my grandmother would always have two cookie offerings on the night
before Christmas. The first was the plate of cookies left for Santa, which he always ate. The second was a special cookie. It always had a candle in it, and it was placed
next to the nativity in the family room. It was a birthday cookie for Jesus. On Christmas morning, the cookie would be gone, and inside the empty manger would be Jesus!
I hope that you have a special tradition to celebrate the birth of Jesus in your family.
Have you bought your SCRIP today? Please stop after Mass today for your one-stop holiday shopping, which is actually like buying two gifts in one: one for the
intended recipient, and one for YOUR parish school. I like to drive by Lakeside and Partridge Creek Malls at this time of year, because rather than braving the last minute
shoppers, I am happy and warm in my car with my SCRIP ready to give!
In His Service,
Mrs. Amanda Lund, Principal
principal@holycrossonline.net
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, Cindy Griffor, Debbie Higgins, Agnes Horn, Jim Keelan, David McDowell, Josephine
Michalski, Marty Osborne, Tony Pizzo, Joann Rix, Laurie Rix, Nancy Rix, Lorena Sadler, Barbara Shonk, Shirley Steinmetz, Renee Thurlow, Alice Trader, Carol Uppleger,
Kathy Vayko, Teresa Walsh
Please pray for our sick and suffering
Lector Schedule
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
EME
Ushers
Sacristan/Greeters
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Fr. Broderick
Joann Sharrow
Wanda Edie
Jeanne Crowl
Wanda Edie
Carol Fett
Aline Irvine
Joan Klebba
John McQuade
John Vance
Karl Malik
Harold Meldrum
Craig Neumann
J Vance/Sacristan
Cathy Cartwright
Sandy Malik
Shirley Stafford
Eleanor Pilawski
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Lopez
Shelee
Schweihofer
Jessica Longtine
Jerry Longtine
Hannah Yadon
Sunday
8:00 a.m.
Holy Cross
Msgr. Browne
Fred & Mary Ann
Osterbeck
Shelby Neumann
Melissa Krutsch
Robert Goldenbogen
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Broderick
Janay Ackerman
Abigail Vernier
Meghan Vernier
Dan Page
Outreach:
Richard Bober
10:00 a.m.
St. Mark
Fr. Lopez
Jim Laethem
Please help if needed
Nancy Streit
John Streit
Sunday
11:30 a.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Bodde
Maureen
Morehead
Nick Licari
Child Liturgy:
Mary Lorkowski
Donna Radulski
Judy Antkowiak
Tony Antkowiak
Rosetta Babisz
Mary Jo Bor
Gene Elrod
Chuck Gerlando
Ken Morgulec
Bill Oddo
Ken Radulski
P Johnston/Sacristan
Barbara Ptasnik
Elfriede Trombley
Eric Morehead
Maureen Morehead
Christmas Eve
3:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Lopez
Melanie Heitz
Please Volunteer
5:00 p.m.
St. Mark
Fr. Kowalczyk
Mike Weber
Please help if needed
Dick Kronner
Len Verlinden
5:30 p.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Lopez
Robert Pontseele
Aggie LaCombe
Charlene Smith
JoAnne Vance
Norval Weaver
Sister Geraldine
**you may be
contacted
S Malik/Sacristan
Wanda Edie
Sandy Malik
Lynn Brickman
Aggie LaCombe
Christmas Eve
10:00 p.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Broderick
Ted Piotrowski
Donna LaPorte
Eleanor Pilawski
Judy Antkowiak
Tony Antkowiak
Judy Piotrowski
**you may be
contacted
J Piotrowski/Sacristan
Jan Roland
Jan Long
Jim Kane
Rose Rzeppa
11:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Koshy
Don Smith
Please Volunteer
11:30 a.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Bodde
Kim Busuttil
Retta Kosciolek
Peg Barnett
Jeanne Crowl
Wanda Edie
Mary Jo Bor
Donna Radulski
**you may be
contacted
P Johnston/Sacristan
Robert Nadrowski
Eleanor Nadrowski
Matt Vettraino
Kim Busuttil
10:00 a.m.
St. Mark
Fr. Lopez
Pat Travis
Please help if needed
Bill Forster
Jim Miller
Christmas Day
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Msgr. Browne
Paul Ivan
Please Volunteer
Holy Cross
CSA
Target (1015 families) $54,000.00
Pledged (408 families) $46,171.00
Balance Needed $7,829.00
St. Catherine Church
CSA
Target (548 families) $41,000.00
Pledged (268 families) $29,705.00
Balance Needed $11,295.00
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 (130 families) $12,300.00
Pledged (83 families) $12,555.00
Over Goal $255.00
Names will remain on the sick list for a length of four weeks. Please contact the office to make other arrangements.
CTND
Each December, quality programming centered on the true meaning of Christmas can be found on the Catholic Television Network of Detroit (CTND).
Since January 1985, CTND has provided faith-filled programming that informs, educates, inspires and entertains viewers in the Archdiocese of Detroit. Your
generosity to the Catholic Services Appeal enables CTND to broadcast programming offering Catholic teaching.
CTND also serves as the local production arm for the Catholic faithful of southeast Michigan. Locally produced programming includes award-winning
documentaries, a monthly Dialogue between Cardinal Adam Maida and local journalists, weekend Masses and youth and family specials. Using local experts on Church
teaching, CTND writes, films and produces specials and documentaries on important Church topics like Scripture, moral theology and life issues.
CTND is broadcast 24 hours a day to more than 800,000 households in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer, Monroe and St. Clair counties.
Thank you to everyone that has responded to the appeal. We are still hoping to hear from many more, to achieve our goals. Think about making your tax
deductible donation to CSA before the end of the year. We are grateful for every gift, from the smallest to the largest.
Congratulations to the parishioners at St. Mark,
for exceeding their goal!!!
CSA Minute
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 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 16, 2007
Died in Christ
Please remember in your prayers:
V Betty McKinney
V Herbert Ziel
V Florence M. Egli
Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord.
Let the Perpetual Light shine upon them.
May they rest in peace. Amen.
Wedding Anniversaries
If you would like your Wedding Anniversary published in the bulletin, please submit your Anniversary info to your parish office at least one month prior.
Anniversaries will be published the last weekend of the month.
Family Name: _______________________________
Husband: _______________ Wife: _______________
Date: ______________ Years Married: ____________
Holy Cross Usher Club
Christmas Party / Meeting
With Breakfast
December 16, 2007 @ 10:30
Holy Cross Activity Center
We will also be finalizing Elections.
** Today **
All Ushers are urged to be at this Christmas Party / Meeting
Words to Live By
The entire liturgy of Advent invites us to encounter Christ who comes to save us. We are preparing to commemorate the birth that took place in Bethlehem two thousand
years ago; we renew our faith in his glorious coming at the end of time. At the same time, we prepare to recognize his presence among us; indeed, he also visits us through
the people and events of daily life.
-Pope John Paul II
Retirement Fund for Religious
The Catholic Church assists the financial need of elderly religious through the national appeal for the Retirement Fund for religious. Today 5,452 women and men
religious need skilled nursing care that costs an average of $49,850 each. The Retirement Fund for Religious Annual Campaign helps to alleviate these expenses. Thank
you and may God bless you for your generosity and caring!
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 18
We have had a great turn-out, please join us.
Everyone is welcome
Thank You From SVdP
Holy Cross
Thank you to everyone for your continuing generosity in donating to our cause. 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.
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.
Our Lady on the River Parish
We will start decorating the Church for Christmas this Sunday, December 16th at 1:00 p.m. Help is needed to assemble trees and all other trimmings. Young men
are needed to climb ladders. Many hands make light work.
Also, Christmas flowers will be delivered on Friday, December 21st. Help is needed to carry them into the church @ 10:00 a.m.
Holy Cross Altar Society
Needs Help to Decorate Church for Christmas
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!
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
D OF I News
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 dePaul Food Pantry are requested in place of the gift exchange.
Any questions, please call Mary Jane Basney at 810-765-4527.
Religious Education News
The Religious Education classes for December 11th were cancelled due to weather. On Monday and Tuesday, December 17th and 18th, the students will be
celebrating their annual Christmas Mass at 5:00 p.m. (NOT 5:30 p.m.). All parents are invited to attend. Information letters were sent home with each student.
We will not hold class on December 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st or January 1st. Classes will resume on January 6, 2008.
The 8th graders will attend their Confirmation Retreat on Sunday January 13th at Holy Cross from 9:15 a.m. until 1:45 p.m. Letters were sent home to the parents
with instructions for that day.
On behalf of the teachers and staff I would like to wish everyone a very happy and peaceful holiday season.
Mrs. Margie Smith, DRE
Readings for the Week of December 16, 2007
Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10/Jas 5:7-10/Mt 11:2-11
Monday: Gn 49:2, 8-10/Mt 1:1-17
Tuesday: Jer 23:5-8/Mt 1:18-25
Wednesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a/Lk 1:5-25
Thursday: Is 7:10-14/Lk 1:26-38
Friday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a/Lk 1:39-45
Saturday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56
Next Sunday: Is 7:10-14/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24
©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc
2007 Advent and Christmas Schedule
Communal Penance Services with Private Reconciliation
Monday, December 17 @ 7:00 p.m. Our Lady on the River, Holy Cross, Marine City
Tuesday, December 18 @ 7:00 p.m. Holy Family, Memphis
Wednesday, December 19 @ 7:00 p.m. St. Augustine, Richmond
Private Reconciliation
Saturday, December 22 @ 3:00 p.m. St. Catherine Algonac
Saturday, December 22 @ 3:00 p.m. St. Mark Harsens Island
Christmas Eve Masses - Monday, December 24
3:30 p.m. Children’s Mass Holy Cross Marine City
5:00 p.m. Children’s Mass St. Mark Harsens Island
5:30 p.m. Children’s Mass St. Catherine Algonac
10:00 p.m. Vigil Mass St. Catherine Algonac
11:00 p.m. Music of the Season Holy Cross Marine City
11:30 p.m. Vigil Mass Holy Cross Marine City
Christmas Day Masses - Tuesday, December 25
9:30 a.m. Holy Cross Marine City
10:00 a.m. St. Mark Harsens Island
11:30 a.m. St. Catherine Algonac
Fifth Sunday at Five Vespers & Concert - Sunday, December 30
5:00 p.m. Holy Cross Marine City
New Year’s Day Masses - Tuesday, January 1
(Holy Day of Obligation)
9:00 a.m. St. Mark Harsens Island
9:00 a.m. Holy Cross Marine City
9:00 a.m. St. Catherine Algonac
All remaining Masses during the month follow the normal schedule.
You may check the bulletin or go to the parish website, www.OurLadyontheRiver.net, for updates.
Adopt a Family for Christmas
As Christmas draws near, many local families are struggling to meet direct financial needs such as food, prescription costs, rent, and utilities. Why not adopt one
of these families for Christmas?
Visit www.AODonline.org to read about some of the families who are in need. They represent every age and ethnic origin and reside in every county of the
archdiocese.
You can help them by participating in the Adopt a Family program sponsored by the Department of Parish Life and Services. Each family has been screened by
sponsoring parishes and agencies and is identified by a number to remain confidential.
Donors may request their gift be given to a specific family or evenly split between all families. For more details, call 313-237-4696. Persons wishing to donate
to the Adopt a Family program should make checks payable to the Department of Parish Life and Services. All the funds collected will be distributed through the sponsor,
not directly by the Archdiocese of Detroit.
Attention St Catherine Lectors, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Greeters
On the January schedule, sent last week, Mass on Saturday, January 5th should read 4:00 p.m. and Sunday, January 6th should read 11:30 a.m.
Algonac Knights to Recruit New Members
The Algonac K of C will be at St. Catherine of Alexandria, recruiting for new members this Saturday and Sunday, December 15th & 16th
The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal service, family orientated organization. We would like to invite men ages 18 and up to check us out and make inquiries about
joining us. We service the Algonac Community and surrounding area families, people in need and other charities.
We will be at the Church entrances on December 15th & 16th. If you have any questions before that, please feel free to contact James Alexie at 586-725-4432 or
e-mail at jaalexie@yahoo.com.
This program for the children will be offered the four
Sundays during Advent.
St. Catherine - 11:30 a.m. Mass
Holy Cross - 9:30 a.m. Mass
Make A Gift Through an IRA
Charitable Rollover
If you are over the age of 70½, you must take a required minimum distribution from your IRA. Normally, the amount of this distribution is taxed as ordinary income.
However, federal legislation that was enacted last year permits you, for the remainder of 2007, to make a direct distribution from your IRA to a qualified charity, such as your
parish, the Catholic Services Appeal, the Archdiocese of Detroit Endowment Foundation, Sacred Heart Major Seminary or another archdiocese institution. Such
distributions, while not subject to income tax, will still count toward fulfilling your required minimum distribution.
For information about the Pension Protection Act of 2006, and how you can benefit from an IRA charitable rollover, contact the Archdiocese of Detroit Office of
Planned Giving at 313-883-8771.
Olive Wood Items Available
St. Mary in St. Clair will display a large collection of handmade olive wood religious items, available for purchase, after all their Masses this weekend, December 15
& 16. The Items will include nativity scenes, ornaments, statues of angels and saints, rosaries, and many other religious items and figurines suitable for beautiful,
meaningful Christmas gift-giving.
The pieces are handmade by Christian families residing in the Holy Land. These families traditionally make their living by selling their artifacts to Holy Land
pilgrims, but as tourism in this troubled area suffers, so do these families.
The Christmas Collection
One way
Parishioners
Choose to offer their
Parish Church support is
To make one very large
Donation
In the Christmas collection.
The funds collected on that day
Are not “taxed” by the Archdiocese.
So, our Parish receives an extra 6%
When you make your sacrifice this way!
Be sure to have your envelope number on Your check so you may receive the proper Credit when you file your tax returns.
We will Mail statements of church support
To all parish households that contribute $300
Or more in this calendar year, according to
Federal guidelines.
Thank you
And God
Bless You!
The Day After Christmas
(Or: Don’t Let This Happen to YOU!!!!)
by Mrs. Steinmetz
The day after Christmas, somewhere in some house,
A gift-buyer started to whimper and grouse,
“I spent so much money! Made so many trips!
Things would have gone better if I had used SCRIP!
I bought extra food and made sure I had drinks—
Two or three hundred dollars’ worth, methinks;
But I SPENT CASH!! Had I used SCRIP instead, it
Would have earned me some tuition credit!
“Johnny’s eyes sparkled, imagining the elves;
mine misted - I’d emptied Toys R Us’ shelves!
Another small fortune; and at three percent
I’d’ve saved a sum equaling half a month’s rent.
Susie was lovely in her new Christmas clothes.
Kohl’s offered me 5% back, but: NO—
I’d forgotten to order pre-holiday SCRIP,
So deeper into my wallet I dip.
Oh, I planned - I mailed, to loved ones afar,
Certificate gifts - but the toll on my car!
Drove to Applebee’s, Best Buy, Border’s, Lowe’s -
And into a world of vehicular woes.
To think; all I needed to do was to call—
The SCRIP office could have ordered them all!
My friends got their gifts, but I got no break.
(My mechanic, though, is pleased with the fortune he’ll make)
“I finally get it!!—next vacation fare,
I’ll be calling for Hyatt and American Air;
I’m planning for spring, now; gonna take a long trip—
So Happy Holidays to all—and don’t forget to buy SCRIP!!!!”
St. Mark
130 Families
44 Envelopes: $899.00
Loose Cash: $14.00
Total: $913.00
Holy Cross
1015 Families
330 Envelopes $9,897.00
Loose Cash $528.00
Children $20.20
Total $10,445.20
St. Catherine Church
548 Parish Families
246 Envelopes: $5,952.50
Loose: $643.23
Children: $15.75
Total $6,611.48
Collection of Sunday, December 9, 2007
The 2008 Parish calendars are Coming!!
There was a delay at the printer and we hope to be seeing them anytime now. As soon as they arrive, they will be placed in church. Please look for your 2008
calendar in the next few weeks.
Fifth Sunday at Five
Vespers and Recital
Sunday, December 30th, 5:00 p.m.
Holy Cross Church
Daniel Susan, Harpsichord Recital.
The concert follows Vespers,
a short service of Psalms and prayers.
810-765-3568
www.holycrossonline.net
Catholic Customs and Traditions
Nativity Scene…
The tradition of having some kind of Nativity scene, also known by its French name, “creche” in churches and homes evolved during the Middle Ages, first in
churches as a prop for Nativity plays. A “creche” is a reproduction of the cave in Bethlehem with the principal characters: Mary, Joseph, the infant Jesus in a manger,
shepherds, angels and animals. St. Francis of Assisi popularized this custom with a living Nativity scene at Greccio, Italy, in 1223. These scenes, constructed from every
sort of material, spread throughout Christendom. Stopping by the nativity scene in Church, or at home, and offering praise, thanks and a prayer for peace is a good
Advent/Christmas custom.
Poinsettia
The poinsettia with its scarlet leaves, now of many hues, came from Mexico where it grows as a shrub. It blooms at Christmastime, and the Mexican people
called it “flower of the Holy Night.” It was brought to the United States by the first U.S. Ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett (1779-1851) who had them grown in
his greenhouse in South Carolina. Eventually, they were named after him. Only since 1920 have they become potted plants. Poinsettias are now associated as much with
Christmas as lilies are with Easter.
Christmas Flower Donations
Made at St. Mark Chapel
In Memory/Honor of…
Bartholomew & Hattie Zelinski; Mary & Michael Seman.
Monday, December 17
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church
V Mary Mardell by Ken & Patti White
Tuesday, December 18
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church
V Paul Moran by Mom
(5th Anniversary Remembrance)
9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
Wednesday, December 19 9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
? In Appreciation of Anonymous Donor to
Holy Cross St. Vincent dePaul
Thursday, December 20
9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. The People of St Catherine
Friday, December 21
9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Walter & Ann Rybarczyk by Family
Saturday, December 22
4:00 p.m. at St. Catherine Church
V Deceased Members of Schmitt & Rumenapp Families
V John, Clara & Linda Herman by Philip Herman
V Michael Sharrow by Wife, Joann
(3rd Anniversary Remembrance)
5:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Delia Burns by Bill & Louise Streitz
(Anniversary Remembrance)
V Natalie & George Prybyla by Family & Friends
V “Uncle Fritz” by The Schindler Nieces & Nephews
V Alynne Markel by Marvin Markel
(3rd Anniversary Remembrance)
Sunday, December 23
8:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Dr. Merl Beauchamp by Grace Filian
V Gerald T. St. James by Family
V Mercedes Bedard by Dennis & Marilyn Fracassi
(9th Anniversary Remembrance)
9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V John Halpin by Grace & Family
V Meta Gastineau by Lou & Gord Reynolds
V Stan Walendowski by Mary Jo & Roger Malcolm
V Donald Coats by Holy Cross St. Vincent dePaul
10:00 a.m. at St. Mark Chapel
V Nytta & Wendell Parker by Norman & Jeannie Rhodes
11:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Church
V Jim Kuptz by Wife
V Joseph Kerszykowski by Wife
V Leon & Martha Nalecz by Eleanor Karp
V Angie Marusiak, Katherine Klimek, Donald &
Bernadette Maslanka & Eugene Maslanka
by Maslanka Family
(Continued on page #)
K of C News
Algonac Council 7227
Euchre Club
The next meeting of the Euchre Club will be January 7. Information will be posted in upcoming bulletins.
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.
Our Lady on the River Calendar of Events
Monday, December 17
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine
9:30 a.m. St. Catherine St Vincent de Paul
MOMS Group at St Catherine
5:00 p.m. Mass with Religious Education at Holy Cross
7:00 p.m. Advent Reconciliation at Holy Cross
Tuesday, December 18
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine
Mass at St. Mark
5:00 p.m. Mass with Religious Education at Holy Cross
6:45 p.m. Prayer Group at St Catherine
7:00 p.m. Advent Bible Study at St Catherine
Choir Practice at Holy Cross
Wednesday, December 19
9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
Mass at St. Mark
7:00 p.m. Hand Bell Practice at Holy Cross
Thursday, December 20
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mark
Mass at St. Catherine
7:30 p.m. Ensemble Practice at St Catherine
Friday, December 21
9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
Mass at St. Mark
12:00 p.m. Parish Offices CLOSED thru Jan. 2nd
Saturday, December 22
3:00 p.m. Confessions at St Catherine
4:00 p.m. Mass at St Catherine
4:30 p.m. Choir Practice at Holy Cross
5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross
Sunday, December 23
8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross, Children’s 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’s Liturgy
SEE PAGE 10 FOR CHRISTMAS SCHEDULE
Holy Cross Altar Servers
Altar Servers are needed for the Christmas Eve and Christmas Day Masses. Please sign up to serve at any of these Masses in the Sacristy. Your assistance at
Mass is vital and appreciated very much.
Thank you and God bless.
2008 Calendar Raffle
Are you wondering how to get your name in the winner’s block as above? 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 ! ! !
And the Winner Is . . .
The $1000 Grand Prize winner in the 2007 Holy Cross Calendar Raffle
Dr. & Mrs. Robert Straub
of Marine City
Congratulations and
Thank You For Your Support!!
Bingo Winner
Congratulations to Darlene (Dottie) Snover for winning the Progressive Jackpot of $2,994.50 on December 4th at the Tuesday Morning Bingo at the Marysville K of
C Bingo Hall on Range Rd. & Ravenswood.
Holy Cross Tuesday Bingo has donated $197,060.00 to Activity Center debt over the last 13 years. Most recently $7,000.00 was donated by the Tuesday Bingo,
December 8th.
Thank you to our volunteer workers that help keep the Bingo going and especially Thank You to the players!! Without players, of course there would not be a
Bingo.
For more information on the Tuesday Morning Bingo, contact Bob Thompson @ 810-765-8751.
Shepherd’s Mass
There will be a practice for the Christmas Shepherd’s Mass on Saturday, December 22nd @ 11:00 a.m. in St. Catherine Church.
All children are encouraged to join in the Mass, ages Kindergarten through 8th Grade. Please come and participate with the voice God has given you.
Dear Members,
Thank you for your food and cash donation to the Algonac Food Pantry. It is greatly needed and very much appreciated. We passed out 3849 pounds of food the month of
November.
Thank you, the Pantry Volunteers
Happy Birthday
Please join together in wishing Sister Geraldine a
joyous and peaceful Birthday as she has been a
Blessing to Our Lady on the River Parish Family
and each one of us!
December 20, 2007
Happy Birthday!!
Sharing the Gospel
l
Jesus was the Messiah that the prophets said would come. The blind could see. The lame could walk. The deaf could hear. The dead were raised to life. Jesus
performed many miracles to show that he was the Messiah. He was the one sent to save the world from sin. John expected Jesus to save himself. But Jesus knew that he
had to die, be buried, and rise again to save you and me from our sins.
Prayer
Lord, thank you for dying on the cross for me.
Something to Draw
Draw a crippled girl dropping her crutches and walking to Jesus.
Mission for the Week
I will find ways to make things easier for the blind, lame, and deaf.
©2007 - PO Box 510817, New Berlin, WI 53151-0817 1-800-950-9952 x2469 LPiResourceCenter.com
FLOWER:
Families Live Out the Word in
Everyday Routines
Go and tell John what you hear and see: the blind regain their sight, the lame walk, lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have the good news
proclaimed to them.
How do we pass on what we hear and see? How do we manifest the presence of Christ that we have experienced? What gifts can we pass on so that
others may see? Is there someone in our family that we have been ignoring? Is there someone with whom we might walk in their struggle? Is there someone who needs our
embrace? Or someone to whom we need to listen? Who is trying to get our attention? What gifts can our family celebrate: time, presence, laughter, forgiveness, dinner,
conversation, invitation.
Simplicity Brings Peace
During this hectic season we must continually remind ourselves that it is the simple things in life that bring us joy and create those memories that we will
remember forever. Jesus taught us that the material things in life do not nourish our spirit. Only when we are aware of the simple things do we see the incredible beauty that
God has given us. Take the time to carry on a family tradition, such as baking grandma's cookies or copying photos of loved ones and sharing then with the family. Share
stories of Christmas's past, or interview a family member and write down their story which will be read for years to come. Whatever you do try to slow down and remember
that the celebration of Christ's birth should not be surrounded by stress. Do less if need be and share a smile and a "Merry Christmas" with those whose path you cross.
You will brighten someone's day as well as their spirit!!
Harbor Health Services
810-765-7144
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