Our Lady On The River Parish of Holy Cross, St. Catherine and St. Mark
Sponsor of the Week: Keller Williams Realty
December 23, 2007 4th Sunday of Advent
Pastor's Page
The fourth week of Advent has finally arrived and we are able to light the last candle to signify that the birth of our Lord will take place in just a few days. Although
we had a little bit of a scare last week, we still managed to light that third candle! I am very thankful for the people who were able to attend Mass last Sunday. I thought I was
going to celebrate the 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. Masses by myself, but we had a good number in attendance and we had good celebrations. That storm was terrible and the
driving was difficult but manageable. But, please watch the advisories on the news and do not venture off if you do not have to. Better to be safe than sorry!
We will celebrate the birth of our Savior on Tuesday and I hope that we can give back to Christ the best gift we can give him, a gift that he gives to us daily, and
that is our presence in the celebration of the Holy Mass, our presence in our personal prayer and our presence in tending to the needs of others. I had a good reminder of
this when I attended Deacon Lee Acervo’s ordination last week at Sacred Heart Major Seminary. When he was called by name he responded by saying a loud, “Present.”
Deacon Acervo, along with his classmates, was telling the congregation that they were presenting themselves to God fully and without conditions. It is the same for all of us.
We should be presenting ourselves to God fully in all that we do but sometimes we only give a part of ourselves when go to do His works.
For example, when we were preparing ourselves during the Advent Season, did we take a few moments to do acts of charity or have a few moments of personal
prayer? Or did we get distracted by something or someone in our life? The point is this, if we are trying to build that relationship with God, we must be fully present in the
moment. How can we hear God’s message if we have too much noise around us? How can we do acts of charity when we schedule too many things in our daily calendar?
God loves us very much but He wants us to be fully immersed in the relationship and not have one foot in and the other foot out. That is one reason why God gave us His
Son so that we can learn how to strengthen and build that relationship with Him. Jesus gave us the example on how to fully present ourselves to God in all that we do.
However, we must not be afraid to follow that example.
As I celebrate Christmas with you at Our Lady on the River for the first time, I would like to take this time to thank you for all the cards and gifts that I have
received. You have been very generous and I appreciate all the support you have given to me as your new pastor. Please continue to pray for me during the Christmas
Season and know that I am praying for you as well.
Christmas Blessings to All,
Fr. Jim
Thoughts From Your Pastoral Associate
“Jesus Christ is Emmanuel, God-with-us: Come, let us praise and give thanks!”
As we light the 4th Advent candle of peace, we are reminded that today’s Liturgy is about God-with-us, Emmanuel. In this shortened 4th week of Advent, take a
moment to stop, to listen, beyond the commercials, beyond the hurry and scurry. Take a moment to listen for the word of God spoken in your life, to you and for you this
week. Christmas is coming quickly now. The Lord is about to give us a sign; the birth of Jesus in our lives, in our world. We are called to belong to Jesus, our God-with-us,
called to be holy. It is for us to embrace Emmanuel and welcome His presence in our daily lives. Will you and I have the wisdom to find Jesus this Christmas?
Christmas is about wisdom and what it takes to recognize the truth that God’s steadfast love will sustain us now and in the year to come. It is God’s steadfast
love incarnate in Jesus, the Scriptures assure us, that we can depend on, through financial struggles, health concerns, confusion, disappointments, and family needs. We
who walked in darkness now see a great light. There is nothing to fear for God-is-with-us.
The goodness and grace of God has appeared as one of us. God’s very being was given to us at Christmas in Jesus. We are asked to give of ourselves to Jesus -
to give the best of who we are to Jesus. We are invited to walk as Jesus walked through life. We are invited to follow Joseph’s example of living gifts of hospitality,
acceptance and love.
May the Christmas event continue in your life and cause you to rejoice because on that night we celebrate the birth of “God-with-us”, the one who has come to
save us by being one with us. Our God is an awesome God who is with us now and always. Though Christmas comes but once a year, Jesus has come to stay. May your
lives, your celebrations with loved ones, your Christmas, be filled with the sparkle and peace of Jesus, and may the joy of His love bless you and live lively in your lives. Have
fun with one another - and celebrate!
Trivia Time Thanks to John Vance, Mary Minnich, Pat Johnston. A 14-point silver star embedded in white marble beneath the Greek altar indicates the birthplace of
Jesus. An inscription reads, “Hic de Virgine Maria Jesus Christus natus est” “Here Jesus Christ was born to the Virgin Mary.” To the side are the Latin altars of the Manger
and the Adoration by the Magi. From the beginning of John’s Gospel, we hear “et verbum caro factum est”
“And the Word was made Flesh”
New Question…Where is the city of a thousand churches?
Merry Christmas! You and your intentions are lifted to the heart of God in prayer.
With love and support,
Sister Mary Ann Ankoviak, csj
pastoralminister@ourladyontheriverparish.net
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, 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 and Catherine Ziegler
Holy Cross: Mary M. Achatz, Richard Anderson, David Arnold, Sue Ann Balaker, David Basney, Bernard Endres, Jill (Postalka) Furtaw, Cindy Griffor, Evelyn Gutt, Debbie
Higgins, Agnes Horn, Jim Keelan, Julia Lange, Robert & Helen Leibold, Lisa Lubick, Gerald Magnan, Carrie Mayo, David McDowell, Josephine Michalski, Marty Osborne,
Tony Pizzo, Joann Rix, Laurie Rix, Nancy Rix, Larry & Barb Rutkowski, Stanley Rutkowski, Lorena Sadler, Barbara Shonk, Shirley Steinmetz, Renee Thurlow, Alice Trader,
Carol Uppleger, Kathy Vayko, Teresa Walsh
Day/Time
Lectors
Altar Servers
EME
Ushers
Sacristan/Greeters
Christmas Eve
3:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Lopez
Melanie Heitz
Kody Obrzut
Ginny Fielhauer
Natalie Sykes
Owen Rogus
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
Nicholas Todino
Allen Milenbaugh
Aaron Milenbaugh
Alicia Norman
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
Maria Winquest
Racheal Winquest
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
Bryan Shackett
Still need two or
Three more please
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Msgr. Browne
Paul Ivan
Kyla Hatcher
Still need two or
Three more please
Christmas Day
10:00 a.m.
St. Mark
Fr. Lopez
Pat Travis
Please help if needed
Bill Forster
Jim Miller
Christmas Day
11:30 a.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Bodde
Kim Busuttil
Retta Kosciolek
Alex May
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
Saturday
4:00 p.m.
St. Catherine
Fr. Lopez
Joann Sharrow
Wanda Edie
Aaron Milenbaugh
Allen Milenbaugh
Christopher Demorest
Carol Fett
Aline Irvine
Joan Klebba
Aggie LaCombe
Charlene Smith
Robert Nadrowski
Gayle Spinazze
Bill Rumenapp
John Niebieszczanski
Harold Meldrum
W Edie/Sacristan
Robert Nadrowski
Eleanor Nadrowski
Gayle Spinazze
Rose Rzeppa
5:30 p.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Koshy
Shelee
Schweihofer
Ginny Fielhauer
Alicia Burns
DJ Burns
Sunday
8:00 a.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Bodde
Theresa
Whitenight
Mitchell Hurttgam
Owen Rogus
Robert Goldenbogen
9:30 a.m.
Holy Cross
Fr. Lopez
Richard Bober
Lucas Laster
Natalie Sykes
Brandon Charney
Outreach:
Marilynn Dunn
10:00 a.m.
St. Mark
Fr. Kowalczyk
Midgie Fannon
Please help if needed
Dick Kronner
Larry Miller
Sunday
11:30 a.m.
St Catherine
Fr. Broderick
Robert Pontseele
Maureen Morehead
Maria Winquest
Racheal Winquest
Alyssa Schafer
Sister Geraldine
Judy Antkowiak
Tony Antkowiak
Rosetta Babisz
Nancy Gebauer
Gene Elrod
Evert Eklund
Chuck Gerlando
Ken Morgulec
Bill Oddo
J Piotrowski/Sacristan
Arlene Moody
Mary Jo Bor
Marilyn Parker
Barbara Pilawski
Holy Cross
CSA
Target (1015 families) $54,000.00
Pledged (409 families) $47,421.00
Balance Needed $6,579.00
St. Catherine Church
CSA
Target (548 families) $41,000.00
Pledged (273 families) $30,015.00
Balance Needed $10,985.00
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
Holy Cross Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 9:30 a.m. Mass,
other liturgies as scheduled.
Tuesday rehearsal 7-8:30 pm
8 O’Clock Choir
Leads worship at Sunday 8 a.m. Mass
Rehearsal Sunday 7:45 a.m.
Saturday Choir
Leads worship at Saturday Mass
Saturdays (except the 1st Sat): 5 p.m.
All Generations Choir
All ages welcome
ALL AGES - ALL SINGERS - FAMILIES
Rehearses and leads worship on the second Saturday of the month
(other liturgies as scheduled),
4:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m.,
Parents and Grandparents—please bring your child and stay and sing with them!
Cantors
Assists with congregational song
Resurrection Choir
Leads worship at funerals
Meets 15 Minutes before the Mass
Schola Cantorum
Small ensemble of mixed voices
Leads worship 1st Saturday of month
Handbell Choir
Plays at Mass as scheduled
Wednesday rehearsal 7-8:30 p.m.
Diane Bowden, Director - 810-765-4824
HOLY CROSS MUSIC MINISTRIES | Daniel J. Susan, Director | www.holycrossonline.net | music@holycrossonline.net
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.
Christmas
Merry Christmas! For weeks we have been preparing our hearts for the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ. It is a time when the spirit of generosity is most evident.
But giving should not be limited to the Christmas season. Throughout the year, many people support others by donating to the Catholic Services Appeal. CSA
provides funding for many archdiocesan programs and ministries coordinated by departments and offices such as Communications, Education, Vocations and Parish Life
and Services.
The Metropolitan Tribunal, The Michigan Catholic and Sacred Heart Major Seminary benefit from gifts to the Catholic Services Appeal as well.
CSA is a pledge program. Pledges may be paid with a down payment and nine monthly payments. Supporting the Catholic Services Appeal is a way to enrich the
ministries of our community of faith here in southeastern Michigan.
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
December 23, 2007
Died in Christ
Please remember in your prayers:
V Sid Browne, Sr.
V John Balduck
V Mary Bisoski
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: ____________
Our Lady on the River Parish
Readings for the Week of December 23, 2007
Sunday: Is 7:10-14/Rom 1:1-7/Mt 1:18-24
Monday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk 1:67-79
Tuesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt 1:1-
25 or 1:18-25
Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14
Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20
Day: Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-
5, 9-14
Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17-22
Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Friday: 1 Jn 1:5-2:2/Mt 2:13-18
Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11/Lk 2:22-35
Next Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/Mt
2:13-15, 19-23
©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc
2007 Advent and Christmas Schedule
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.
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!
No Stewardship News
For St. Mark Church
For December 16, 2007
Mass cancelled due to
Heavy Snow Storm
No Stewardship News
For Holy Cross Church
For December 16, 2007
Due to Heavy Snow Storm
No Stewardship News
For St. Catherine Church
For December 16, 2007
Due to Heavy Snow Storm
Collection of Sunday, December 16, 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
Dear Friends,
I would like to thank Fr. Jim and all the parishioners of Our Lady on the River who have continued to support me and pray for me on my way to my ordination to the
Diaconate. I saw some of you at the ordination last
Saturday, and I was very moved by your willingness to drive all the way down to the seminary. I wish that I could have
spent more time with each of you, but please know how much your attendance, prayers, and support mean to me. God Willing, I hope to see you at my ordination to the
priesthood on May 10, 2008. Please continue to keep me, John, Dave, Charles, and all of my brother seminarians in your prayers.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Mr. Lee Acervo
If you would like to send Lee a congratulatory note or other correspondence, the address for Sacred Heart Major Seminary is: 2701 Chicago Blvd, Detroit, MI
48206
Monday, December 24, Christmas Eve
3:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Leo & Charlotte Johns and Tom & Delor by Family
V Michael K. Callahan by Family
V Stanley Walendowski by Tracy Atwell
V Harvey Terri by Family
5:00 p.m. at St. Mark Chapel
V Dorothy and Gary Sawkin by Walter Sawkin
? Children of Lynn Decker by Lynn Decker
5:30 p.m. at St. Catherine Church
V Deceased Family Members of Phoebe & Henry Meldrum V Brian Neumann by Family
V Florence Egli by Your Friends at D and D
10:00 p.m. The People of St. Catherine Church
11:30 p.m. at Holy Cross Church
V William Westrick & Melissa Empry by
Jim & Diane McCalla
Tuesday, December 25 Christmas Day
9:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Chuck Arnold (Birthday Remembrance) by Wife
V Walter Sadlowski by Alvin & Helen Westrick
10:00 a,m. at St. Mark Chapel
V Dorothy and Gary Sawkin by Family
11:30 a.m. at St. Catherine Church
V Judi VanScott by Husband, James
Wednesday, December 26 No Mass at St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Robert Beckett by Zebrowski Family
Thursday, December 27
9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. The People of St Catherine Church
Friday, December 28
9:00 a.m. The People of St. Mark Chapel
9:00 a.m. at Holy Cross Church
V Jim Rose by Bob & Joan Beauchamp
V Donald McIntosh by Wife, Jacqueline
Saturday, December 29
4:00 p.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church
? Lou & Gladys Dubrul (70th Wedding Anniversary)
V James Kuptz by Wife
V Alfred Holzhauer by Doris Byers
V Joseph Kurszakowski by Wife
5:30 p.m. People of Holy Cross Church
Sunday, December 30
8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church V Helen & Adam Kosi by Jerry & Phyllis Basilico
V Dorothy & Joseph Basilico by Jerry & Phyllis Basilico
9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross Church
V Janet Moran by Husband, James
(Wedding Anniversary Remembrance)
V Donald Coats by Wynne Achatz
V Sid Browne, Sr. by Wynne Achatz
10:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mark Chapel
V Thelma Boyd by John & Midgie Fannon
11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine Church
V Hedy Grzywnowicz (Birthday Remembrance)
V Aime & Bethe Prudhomme by Son, Richard
Thank You Friends, Pastor
and Parishioners
I want to send a personal Thank You for all your concern during my stay at the hospital and Medi-Lodge. Your prayers, good wishes, cards and visits were
appreciated.
Chris Chominski
One In The Spirit Prayer Group
Will resume on January 15th
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.
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 24 - Christmas Eve
3:30 p.m. Children’s Mass at Holy Cross
5:00 p.m. Mass at St Mark
5:30 p.m. Children’s Mass at St. Catherine
10:00 p.m. Vigil Mass at St Catherine
11:00 p/m/ Music of the Season at Holy Cross
11:30 p.m. Vigil Mass at Holy Cross
Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas
9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
10:00 a.m. Mass at St Mark
11:30 a.m. Mass at St Catherine
Wednesday, December 26
9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
No Mass at St. Mark
7:00 p.m. Bingo at Marine City K of C
Thursday, December 27
9:00 a.m. Mass at St. Mark
Mass at St Catherine
7:30 p.m. Ensemble Practice at St Catherine
K of C 4th Degree, Algonac
Friday, December 28
9:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
Mass at St. Mark
Saturday, December 29
4:00 p.m. Mass at St Catherine
5:30 p.m. Mass at Holy Cross
Sunday, December 30
8:00 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
8:30-noon AYCE Breakfast at Marine City K of C
9:30 a.m. Mass at Holy Cross
10:00 a.m. Mass at St Mark
11:30 a.m. Mass at St. Catherine
5:00 p.m. FIFTH SUNDAY AT FIVE at Holy Cross
And Thank You Again !!
Thank You to all who came out last Sunday during the winter storm to help decorate Holy Cross Church for our Holy Christmas Season. The decorations are
beautiful.
Nancy Browning
Jonathan Danneels
Bill & Mary Furtaw
Mary Heintz
Emily Heintz
Lois Moldenhauer
Heather Raymond
Dave & Dorothy Schweihofer
Dale & Cheryl Sherman
Delores Smith
Jenny Street
Wally & Joyce Street
Alvoy & Marilyn Westrick
Duane Westrick
Bill Zweng
Bob & Mary Lou Zweng
Thank You Thank You !!
A Big Thank You to those listed below for helping to clean Holy Cross Church, for the Christmas Season.
Nancy Browning
Joe Brady
Ann Billock
Pat Kruesel
Midge Lavely
Lois Moldenhauer
Andy Markel
Ann Nichols
Jeanette Osterland
Lois Osterland
Dale & Cheryl Sherman
Delores Smith
Dave & Dorothy Schweihofer
Jenny Street
Willabelle Tenyer
Marilyn Westrick
Bob & Mary Lou Zweng
Holy Cross Altar Servers
Enough Servers did sign up for the 3:30 Christmas Eve Mass, thank you for your response, Now we are in need of Altar Servers for the Christmas Eve 11:30 p.m.
Mass and Christmas Day 9:30 a.m. Mass. . 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.
Giving Tree Thank You
Our Lady on the River Parish Christian Service Commission extends a heart-felt Thank You to all who so generously responded to the Giving Trees that were
available in each of our parish church sites. Your thoughtful "giving" will brighten the hearts and lives of many.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Mission was the recipient of an overwhelming donation from our entire parish. Sr. Barbara extends appreciation for all the gifts for 350
children on their list and many families in need. Gifts were also distributed to Medilodge, Abused Women and Children, Homeless Men, Compassionate Pregnancy Center,
Runaway Children Shelter, and area families in need.
The true spirit of giving of Our Lady on the River Parish, of the people of St. Catherine's, St. Mark's and Holy Cross is an inspiring blessing that brings joy to the
heart of God and God's people. Thank you. May Jesus' reward you with bundles of love, joy and peace.
Our Lady on the River Christian Service Commission
The Nativity of our Lord
If a child falls on the sidewalk, our first inclination is to pick him up and fix his skinned knees. If a child runs a fever or develops an illness, we immediately do
whatever we can to make her feel better. If a child is hungry, we feed him. If a child suffers the pains of hatred or solitude, we do our best to comfort her. If our first reaction is
to lift a child from need, it would only follow that God the Father so loves his children that he gave us the gift of Jesus Christ.
Listen to the words of John once again as he so delicately but gloriously describes the coming of Christ into the world: "What came to be through him was life, and
this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it." As the New American Bible states, this description is very
much like an overture to a great musical piece. Jesus is life; Jesus is the light of all life, and nothing shall ever darken that light.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church reminds us this Christmas that to become a child in relation to God is the condition for entering the kingdom. For this, we
must humble ourselves and become little. Even more: to become "children of God" we must be "born from above" or "born of God." Only when Christ is formed in us will the
mystery of Christmas be fulfilled in us (CCC 526).
©2007 Liturgical Publications Inc
Born A Savior, Born A King
St. Catherine’s Choir will perform a cantata entitled “Born A Savior, Born A King” on Christmas Eve before the 10:00 Mass, beginning at 9:30 p.m. Please come
and hear this beautiful work proclaiming the birth of our Messiah!
The Religious Education classes for December 17th were cancelled due to weather. On Tuesday, December 18th, the students celebrated their annual Christmas
Mass.
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
Music Of The Season
“Music of the Season" begins about 30 minutes before the Holy Cross 11:30 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass and includes music by the Holy Cross Choir, Holy Cross
Handbells, and the Blue Water Brass.
Prepare for a joyous Christmas celebration with musical offerings in various styles and textures presented to the Glory of God.
January 1st, Holy Day of Obligation
The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God
January 1, 2008 is a Holy Day of Obligation. Mass will be celebrated at all three sites at 9:00 a.m.
Rides Needed to Church
We have two very faithful female parishioners that are in need of our help.
One would like a ride to any Holy Cross Mass every week, the other needs a ride only during bad weather, she would need room for her wheel chair. Please call
Sr. Mary Ann or Holy Cross Rectory Office at 810-765-3568 if you can help.
The Parish Offices will be closed for the Christmas Holidays beginning Friday, December 21st. We will return on Wednesday, January 2nd.
Fr. Jim Lopez and the entire staff of Our Lady on the River wish you and yours a Blessed Christmas.