Bulletin - St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

Bulletin - St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church

St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
1602 Thousand Oaks Drive - San Antonio, TX 78232
www.stmarkevangelist.com
Our Mission Statement:
to spread the good news of Jesus Christ to all God’s
people by word and action.
PARISH DIRECTORY
Pastor: Rev. Msgr. Kevin E. Ryan
PARISH OFFICE HOURS:
PASTORAL OFFICE - 494-1606
Pastor
Pastoral Administrator
Development Director
Development Asst.
Bookkeeper
Asst. Bookkeeper
Parish Data Services
Administrative Asst.
Deacon
Deacon
Deacon
Deacon
Deacon
Rev. Msgr. Kevin Ryan
Dot Hamlin
Pamela Raines
Laura Boren
Rich Mazzara
Brenda Houchens
Zulaika L. Muñiz
Pat Flores
Gil Hernandez
Raul Adam
Steve Marques
Larry Brisiel
Hipolito Huerta
Ext. 312
Ext. 311
Ext. 345
Ext. 344
Ext. 319
Ext. 313
Ext. 327
Ext. 300
488-6296
646-7632
269-1339
391-0636
426-8304
LITURGY OFFICE - 494-1660
Liturgy/Pastoral Care
Liturgy Asst.
Music Director
Music Director Asst.
Sunday Receptionist
Robert Martinez
Carroll Migura
Dolores Martinez
Gary Marks
Kathleen Bedingfield
Ext. 315
Ext. 307
Ext. 316
Ext. 330
Ext. 303
FAITH FORMATION/RELIGIOUS ED.-494-7434
Director of Adult Faith Formation - Paul Vance
Ext. 326
Christian Initiation Ministry (R.C.I.A.), Spiritual Direction,
Quinceañeras - Anne Kemper
Ext. 329
Faith Formation Elem. Admin Asst., Baptism & Childcare
Coordinator —Rita Cabello
Ext. 320
Children’s Ministry - Elizabeth Herring
Ext. 324
YOUTH MINISTRY-494-1959
Director of HS Youth Ministry - Frank Peacher
Youth Admin. Asst. - Brenda Mireles
Middle School Youth Ministry -Zachary Hemmi
PRE-SCHOOL
Co-Directors
Ext. 334
Ext. 333
Ext. 332
& DAYCARE OFFICES - 494-9282
Administrative Asst.
Kathy Glendening
Connie Magott
Kim Hicks
Ext. 321
Ext. 322
Ext. 337
PHYSICAL PLANT - 494-9399
Manager
Team Leader
Custodians
George Wetherill
Juan Olivo
Rosa Hernandez, Hector Rendon,
Miguel Martinez, Jenny Alarcon
Ext. 318
CHURCH REGISTRATION
Are you new in the parish? You are invited to register in the
Pastoral Office, Monday-Thursday 9:00—5:00; Friday 8:00—4:00
(Closed 12:00 - 1:00 PM), or in the Pastoral Offices located in the
church on Saturday or Sunday. Registration forms are also
available on our website: www.stmarkevangelist.com
MONDAY-THURSDAY 9:00 AM TO 5:00 PM
FRIDAY 8:00 AM TO 4:00 PM
(CLOSED FOR LUNCH FROM 12:00—1:00 PM MON.-FRI.)
PHONE: 494-1606 - FAX: 494-4957
FOR AFTER HOURS EMERGENCIES: PHONE 494-1606 AND FOLLOW ANSWERING MACHINE INSTRUCTIONS
MASS SCHEDULE:
SUNDAY
MONDAY
TUESDAY
WEDNESDAY
THURSDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
8 AM, 10 AM, 12 PM
2 PM (SPANISH), 5 PM
8:15 AM & 6:30 PM
6:30 AM
6:30 AM & 8:15 AM
6:30 AM & 8:15 AM
8:15 AM
5 PM
COMMUNION SERVICES:
MONDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
SATURDAY
6:30 AM
8:15 AM
6:30 AM
7:30 AM
RECONCILIATION SERVICES:
SATURDAY 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
(OR BY APPOINTMENT 494-1606)
A NEW ORDER
ADORATION HOURS:
TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY, & THURSDAY
9:00 AM - *9:00 PM
*(LAST HOUR OF ADORATION IS FROM 8-9PM)
SACRAMENTAL PREPARATIONS:
FOR INFORMATION ON PREPARING FOR THE SACRAMENTS OF BAPTISM, FIRST RECONCILIATION,
FIRST EUCHARIST, OR CONFIRMATION, PLEASE
CONTACT THE FAITH FORMATION OFFICE AT:
494-7434, Ext. 320.
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
TO SCHEDULE AN ANOINTING, PLEASE CALL:
494-1606, EXT. 315 OR EXT. 307.
MATRIMONY:
FOR INFORMATION ON PREPARATION FOR
MATRIMONY, PLEASE CONTACT THE PASTORAL
OFFICE AT: 494-1606
December 20, 2015
Fourth Sunday of Advent
“O, Little Town of Bethlehem.” A Philadelphia clergyman named Phillips
Brooks penned these popular words back in the mid-1800s, but the prophet
Micah could have used them first. Micah knew that from small packages great
treasures come. In today’s first reading, he knew that from tiny Bethlehem
would come the Lord.
The writer in Hebrews explains that Christ came to us to do the will of
God by establishing a new order and by becoming our perfect sacrifice. And
Luke tells us that Elizabeth and John, the infant in her womb, understand that
great and wondrous things are at hand with the coming of the Lord.
This is the Fourth Sunday of Advent. Soon we celebrate anew the fruit of
Mary’s womb. As we are told in Hebrews, Jesus’ new order is being established even today. And as Micah proclaims, his greatness is reaching even
now to the ends of the earth. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
TODAY’S READINGS
READINGS & MASS INTENTIONS
SATURDAY, December 19
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25
5:00 PM
† Melvin Ott
Requested by Helen Ott
SUNDAY, December 20
Mi 5:1-4a; Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19; Heb 10:5-10; Lk 1:39-45
8:00 AM
† Jean Walther
Requested by Marian Waterhouse
10:00 AM
† Jose and Jovita Martinez
12:00 PM
† Raul Guajardo
2:00 PM
† Robert Flores, Jr.
5:00 PM
† Robert Stevens
Requested by Nora Gonzalez
Requested by Gracie Guajardo
Requested by Pat Flores
Requested by Jane and Rob Lewis
MONDAY, December 21
Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45
8:15 AM
† Anna Maria Contreras
6:30 PM
† Ronald Gloyd
Requested by Norma Rodriguez
Requested by St. Mark’s Women’s Guild
TUESDAY, December 22
1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56
6:30 AM
† David Lawhon
Requested by St. Mark’s Women’s Guild
WEDNESDAY, December 23
Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66
6:30 AM
8:15 AM
St. Mark’s Community
† Jessica Ann Molina
Requested by Frank Holzmann
THURSDAY, December 24
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79
4:00 PM
7:00 PM
10:00 PM
† Bob Kemper, Sr. and Bob Kemper, Jr.
Requested by Anne Kemper
† LeRoy Wessel and Tiffany Dearman
Requested by Roy and Claudia Dearman
† Patrick and Anne Ryan
Request by Msgr. Kevin Ryan
FRIDAY, December 25
Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25
10:00 AM
12:00 PM
† Christina Marques
Requested by Marilyn and Steve Marques
Millie Castro
Special Intention Requested by Ed and Carol Zoller
SATURDAY, December 26
Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22
5:00 PM
† Florence Mozel
Requested by Bill and Barbara Cox
SUNDAY, December 27
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 910; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52
8:00 AM
10:00 AM
12:00 PM
2:00 PM
5:00 PM
† Robert Peak
Requested by Patricia Peak
† Anthony and Marlene Schneider
Requested by Joan Mittelsteadt
† Ledwig Family
Requested by Kathleen Bendingfield
† Bernard James Stronza
Requested by Julieta Stronza
† Msgr. Morgan Rowsome
Requested by Jackie Ritter
First Reading — From you, Bethlehem, shall come forth one
who is to be ruler in Israel. (Micah 5:1‑4a).
Psalm — Lord, make us turn to you; let us see your face and
we shall be saved (Psalm 80).
Second Reading — By Christ doing the will of God, we have
been consecrated (Hebrews 10:5‑10).
Gospel — “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is
the fruit of your womb” (Luke 1:39‑45).
WE PRAY FOR THE SICK OF OUR COMMUNITY
Mary Jane Adame
Maria Aguirre
Steve Alaniz
Diana Alvarez
Angelina Arredondo
Even J. Arredondo
Victoria N. Arredondo
Oscar Babiera
Morris Ball
Mary Beals
Jean Bailey
Bailey Barbeeg
Elaine Bechen
Milton Bixon
Jake Bowers
Cecilia Burks
David Byers
Carol Carter
Hope Casias
Josie Castillo
Victor C. Colotla
Joey Courtaway
David Crumpler
Liz Czervinske
Michael Czervinske
Geri Daniels
Vivian Daniels
Jeanne Daw
Vincent Demmer
Rosalie Dennis
Clarrisa Diaz
Linda Diaz
Butch Drew
Miguel Dublin
Yolanda Edwards
Vivian Ehlinger
Renee Engelbrecht
Jim Fay
David Fischer
Margaret Fitzgerald
Thomas Fohn
Matt Foley
Ayden Frail
Christian Franklin
Valerie G. Franklin
Nora Mae Fulmer
Bertha Galan
Simon Galan
George Galvan
Clara Garcia
Enrique Garcia
Gloria Garcia
Gilbert Gauthreaux
Corrine Greathouse
Lucila Garcia
Federico Garcia
Maria Garcia
Mina Mary Jane Garcia
Becca Garza
Emma Gilboux
Vicki Goebel
Nieves Gonzales
Amanda Graham
Michael Grosso
Nancy Guerra
Liz Harding
Connie Harter
Debra Harty
Thomas Harty
Robert Henderson
Amparo Hernandez
Elba Hernandez
Feliz Hernandez
Teresa Hernandez
Robert Hernandez
Victor Hernandez
Tere Haring
Dan Hogan
Liam Hogan
Matthew Holzer
Liz Howard
Doris Hoyt
Elizabeth Huff
Josephine Huizar
Katy Johnston
Lester Jung
Al Keegan
Stephanie Keegan
Andrew Klauenberg
Ehren Klauenberg
Walter Kennedy
Jackie Kennedy
Cecelia Klemm
Adele Kulawik
Francis Kulawik
Connie Kuykendall
Jayven Leija
Betty Lawrence
Susan Lawrence
Martha Lawrence
Laura Olivia Lugo
Henry Macina
Jean Macina
Ken Macinga
Yvette Magee
Debbie Malone
Adriana Manzoni
Brad Marbach
Matthew Margotta
Lori Martin
Gloria Martinez
Cindy McCarthy
Nora McCarthy
Maddie McClain
Chris J. McConnell
Mary Ellen McGinley
Windy McMichael
Connie McRae
Saba Mebrahtu
Helen Mercadante
Alex Mireles
Lani A. Mejia
Greg Molina
Hilde Moore
Vickie Motherwell
Mattie Neff
Dottie Nickelson
Phil Nickelson
Peggy Hayes Obringer
Noel Ordwig
Mercedes Otero
Helen Ott
Sharron Otto
Joseph Otto
Stephen Podd
Debbie Malone
Lisa Perri-Molina
Eva Quinones
Craig “Bubba” Radick
Richard Ramirez
John Reichensperger
Lucy Respondek
Mary Louise Rieber
Robert Riojas
Gloria Ritter
Antonio Rodriguez
Lorena Rodriguez
Ramon Rodriguez
M.W. Rollin
Patricia Rowsome
Benjamin Roy
Frank Samas
Kathleen Sanchez
Olivia Sandoval
Lynn Paris Schlundt
Ray Schmitz
Donnie Schwirtlich
Roger Seguin
Olivia Selena
Robert Silva
Joe Slaven
Lois Solinski
Mary Ann Sperry
James Spruel
Janet Spruel Jenkins
Felton Stalling
Sharon Stellges
Clarene Szczech
Jim Taylor
Pat Tollette
Amy Tschirhart
Sharon Tschirhart
Bob Underwood
Joe Urbina
Matthew Vasquez
Linda Vasquez
Delma Vela
Hazel Villa
Joy Votion
Faye Wagner
Sam Watson
Christy Wheeler
Pat Whitley
Jan Williams
Michael Wilson
Susan Winter
Delfino Yebra
Claude Zaiontz
Laurie Zaiontz
Jose Zamora
FairlieZwartjes
We offer our prayers and sympathy to our parishioners
who have experienced a death in their family.
Colette Faucher
If you wish to be added to or removed from the prayer list,
please contact the pastoral office at (210 ) 494-1606. Thank you.
JUBILEE YEAR OF MERCY
December 20, 2015 | Fourth Sunday of Advent
In proclaiming the Jubilee
Year of Mercy, Pope Francis proclaimed his desire that this Holy
Year be “steeped in
mercy,” as we disciples
“go out to every man
and woman,” bringing
the “balm of mercy” to
“believers and those
far away, as a sign that
the Kingdom of God is
already present in our
midst!” (Misericordiae
Vultus, 5). In her visitation
of Elizabeth, Mary beautifully presents just such an image.
Despite the perils of her pregnancy, not to mention her preoccu-
pations as a young unwed mother,
Mary instantly, unselfishly, “goes
out” of herself, hastening far and
over dangerous terrain, to “bring
the balm of God’s tender
mercy” in assistance rendered
to her older relative. Since
baptism and the Eucharist
have made us, in a way,
bearers of the living Christ
within as Mary was, such
selfless “going out” of ourselves to be of loving service
to others in mercy should especially mark our Christmas season
this Jubilee Year.
—Peter Scagnelli, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc.
Papal quotes Copyright © 2015, Libreria Editrice Vaticana.
Used with permission.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
Many of our most treasured traditions link the liturgy of the church with
the hearth of the home. The food on
the table at certain feasts and fasts
helps to extend the mystery into everyday life. Tonight, for example, many
families of Italian heritage, especially
those with links to the south of Italy,
will settle down to the “Feast of the
Seven Fishes,” or La Vigilia. It is a
command performance for the whole
family, as the saying goes: Natale con
I tuui, Pasqua conchi vuoi, or
“Christmas with your family, Easter
with whomever you wish.” Seven different fish, some say one for each day
of Mary and Joseph’s journey to
Bethlehem, others say one for each
sacrament, or one for each day of
creation, are served. Eel and shrimp,
lobster and crab, calamari, pasta with
clam sauce, flounder and hake all
abound, but most especially baccala,
dried salted cod. Why? Many say that
it is a way to pay homage to the
beasts of the stable who witnessed
the holy birth and relinquished their
manger to make way for God. Tonight,
if someone asks you to “pass the
shrimp,” you’ll be able to shed a little
light on a menu that is a delicious
treasure in our tradition!
—Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Once one chooses to be a disciple of Christ,
Stewardship is not an option.
Fourth Sunday of Advent
He shall be peace! The prophets delivered a message of a kingdom of
peace to the people of God. The Israelites had experienced peace when
the Lord was with them and turmoil when they lived without God. We
likewise experience frustration rather than joy when we choose the
pleasures of the world over the glory of the Kingdom of Heaven. The
Letter to the Hebrews tells us that the will of God should be our objective. The Virgin Mary, our model of stewardship, gave her full acceptance to God of the gift offered to her, bearing a son who would be our
Savior. May we follow Mary in her response to the Lord: I come to do
your will.
THIS WEEK AT ST. MARK’S
Monday, December 21
Good Morning Monday’s
Alcoholic Anonymous
CYO Basketball
Greenwood Sports
Men’s ACTS Mtg.
Monday Night Prayer
Group
Arts and Environment
CH #202
CH #201
Gym
Gym-West Campus
Aquinas Hall
Library
Various Rooms
Tuesday, December 22
Library
Basketball
CYO Basketball Practice
Boy Scout Troops 500
Eucharistic Adoration
Centering Prayer Group
OLOG Meeting
XLT
Library
Gym-West Campus
Gym
Brotherhood
Chapel of the Reservation
Library
CH#206
Day Chapel
Wednesday, December 23
Library
CYO Basketball Practice
Basketball Practice
Women of Mercy Prayer
Group
Boy Scouts Troop 500
Library
Gym
Gym-West Campus
Matthew and Mark
Rosary
Thursday, December 24
CHRISTMAS EVE
Offices closed
Mass times: 4pm, 7pm, 10pm
Friday, December 25
Second Collection–Assumption Seminary
CHRISTMAS DAY
Offices closed
Mass times: 10am, 12pm
Saturday, December 26
No activities scheduled
Sunday, December 27
Second Collection–Organ Fund
Library
BOW
Catechumenate
Library
Shalom #3
New Legacy
St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church
1602 Thousand Oaks Dr. | San Antonio, TX | 78232 | (210) 494-1606
Schedule of Liturgies
2015 Advent & Christmas Seasons
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5
Mass of Anointing
of the Sick
MASS 10:30 AM
WEDNESDAYS, DECEMBER 2 & 9
Evening Prayer
7 PM, DAY CHAPEL
MONDAY, DECEMBER 7
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8
FEAST OF THE
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

MASS (TUESDAY)
6:30 AM | 8:15 AM | 7 PM
OUR LADY OF
GUADALUPE
CELEBRATION
ROSARY 6 AM
MASS 6:30 AM
HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12
VIGIL MASS (MONDAY)
7 PM
COMMUNION SERVICE 8:15 AM
LAS MAÑANITAS
& ROSARY
MASS WITH
RE-ENACTMENT 5 PM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13
LAS POSADAS
GUADALUPE ROOM
(WEST CAMPUS)
3 PM
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 19
PARISH RECONCILIATION
SERVICES
WEDNESDAY – 7 PM
SATURDAY – 9 AM
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24
Christmas Eve
MASS
4 PM | 7 PM | 10 PM
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 25
Solemnity of
Christmas
MASS
10 AM & 12 NOON
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31
NEW YEAR’S EVE VIGIL
VIGIL MASS 5 PM
FRIDAY, JANUARY 1
SOLEMNITY OF MARY,
MOTHER OF GOD
(NEW YEAR’S DAY)

HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION
MASS
10 AM & 12 NOON
WORSHIP AND WORD
WALK WHERE
THE MASTER WALKED
Join Msgr. Kevin Ryan as we walk
where the Master walked.
We depart on May 1, 2016 for this 12
day pilgrimage. Price includes round-trip
airfare, insurance, hotel, breakfast &
dinner daily, entry fees, private airconditioned bus, taxes, security fees and
fuel surcharges. Cash price per person
double occupancy is only $3,450.
Deposit of $300 due by Dec. 15. Balance
is due by Jan. 26, 2016.
Escorted by John and Barbara Thabet of
Accent Travel Agency, Inc. For more
info, call (210) 494-3553.
SACRAMENT OF THE
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
The Sacrament of the Anointing of the
Sick is celebrated on the first Monday
after the 6:30pm Mass, the second
Wednesday after the 8:15am Mass,
and the third Thursday after the
8:15am Mass.
For more information please call
Robert Martinez or Carroll Migura in
the pastoral office at (210) 494-1606.
Meditation
on
"Be merciful, just as [also]
your Father is merciful.
Stop judging and you will
not be judged. Stop
condemning and you will
not be condemned. Forgive and you will be
forgiven. Give and gifts
will be given to you; a
good measure, packed
together, shaken down,
and overflowing, will be
poured into your lap. For
the measure with which
you measure will in return
be measured out to you."
Lk 6:36-38; MV, nos. 13-14
This scripture passage is used by
Pope Francis in his Bull of Indiction
of the Jubilee of Mercy, Misericordiae vultus (MV).
Weekly Holy Rosary
St. Mark’s prays the Rosary every
Saturday before the 5:00pm Mass,
and before the 8:00am
Mass on Sunday.
Parishioners are encouraged to come
and pray the Mysteries and honor our
Mother Mary.
The Rosary begins at 4:25pm on
Saturday and 7:30am on Sunday
in the Sanctuary.
Come pray
the Rosary.
Prayer for
Our Troops
Lord, hold these loved ones in
your loving hands, protect them
as they protect us. Bless them
and their families for the selfless
acts they perform for us in our
time of need. Give them courage,
hope, and strength. May they
ever experience your firm support, gentle love, and compassionate healing. We ask this in
the name of Jesus, our Lord and
Savior. Amen.
Eucharistic
Adoration
Tuesday - 9am - *9pm
Wednesday - 9am - *9pm
Thursday - 9am - *9pm
*Last hour of Adoration is from
8pm- 9pm
For more information,
please contact:
Julie Dunne @ 237-9127
Kristie Flores @ 332-2298
Sandy Winkley @ 860-5814
CENTERING PRAYER GROUP
The focus of centering prayer is the
deepening of our relationship with the
living Christ. It is an exercise of letting go.
Centering Prayer Group meets every
Tuesday from 11am to 12pm in the
library. All are welcome to come and
see what centering prayer is about.
For more information, contact
Jo Ann at (210) 496-1255.
Adoramus Te Christe
Prayer Group
“My soul magnifies the Lord.”
Our contemplative prayer group meets
every Thursday from 7pm-8:30pm in the
Library. We do Centering Prayer and
then discuss a form of contemplative
prayer practiced by such masters as
Saints Benedict, John of the Cross,
Teresa of Avila, and Ignatius Loyola.
The group has responsibility praying for
parish ministries, and conducting a Contemplative Retreat once a year for the
Parish.
For more information, contact
Stan Harmen at (210) 495-4144.
WORSHIP AND WORD
LIVE IN HIS LOVE
As we continue to prepare our hearts
for the coming of the Christ-child at
Christmas let us live in his love in all we
do, especially in our marriage relationship. The next Worldwide Marriage
Encounter Weekend is January 22-24.
For more information call Rob & Cris
Johnson at 361-537-4997 or apply
online at www.mesanantonio.org.
An Advent Prayer
May the God of peace make us completely holy. May God keep us blameless in spirit, soul and body for the
coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. Forever faithful is the One who calls us—
God our Father! Expectant, let us live
in joyful hope for the revelation of the
glory of our God and Savior, Christ
Jesus! To him be glory forever!
Come, Lord Jesus!
Your grace be with us all.
The Work of Mary
(known as the Focolare)
Spirituality of Unity, based on living Jesus' prayer in our daily lives. One way
this is done is by putting the Gospel into
practice one verse at a time. This is done
by living a verse of scripture given
monthly in the Word of Life and sharing
its impact on one's life. There is a Word
of Life monthly meeting, open to all desiring spirituality based on the Gospel
message.
Wings and Beyond is
a ministry of spiritual
healing for widowed,
separated or divorced
parishioners.
SENIORS
50+ WE
WANT YOU!!
The St. Mark's Young at Heart Senior's
Group is looking for new members to join us
every 2nd and 4th Monday for food, fun, and
This ministry facilitates a gathering
fellowship. Come to Shalom (back of gym) for
and sharing of those who wish to par- a BYO lunch at 11:30 a.m. Then, share in a
ticipate in healing through prayers,
very short meeting for prayers for ailing or
support and fellowship with other peo- needy family and friends.
ple of our Catholic Community who
wish to move BEYOND their circumstances. This is a confidential group
that provides a framework to participate and appraise their circumstances, consider the challenges they
face and move on with their lives.
Game time (bingo, dominoes, cards, Tripoli,
and more) begins shortly after noon and ends by
2:30 p.m. We all take turns providing snacks
(sweet, salty, or healthy) on a rotating member
roster. Friendly volunteers make reminder calls
prior to each get together.
Yearly dues are "senior rates"...only $10! Sound
good? Come for a trial visit or two before joining. Invite a friend (doesn't have to belong to our
parish) who is also 50+ or come on your own to
see what you've been missing!
We meet once a month on the second
Friday, at St Mark Evangelist Catholic
Church in the Matthew Mark Room at
6:30pm. We include a social dimension to the care and healing process of For more information, please contact Jo Ann
Wetherill at (210) 495-1925.
our meetings. We strive to bond our
friendships and usually end our meetings with snacks, board games and
small talk.
This meeting is always open and everyone is encouraged to attend. Please
call Charlene at 210 403 2181 or Mary
Lou at 210 495 3197 for information.
THURSDAY MORNING SMALL
FAITH GROUP
Are you “prepared” when you come to Mass
each Sunday? Have you read the scriptures that
are to be covered, and reflected on, during the
Homily? Most Likely….NOT.
Come join our Small Faith Group.
When: Every Thursday
Time: 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
Where: Matthew/Mark Room
Why:
To read the scriptures for the
following Sunday, and to discuss and reflect on
what they mean to us.
To socialize and make new friends.
To celebrate birthdays and special
occasions.
To offer help, encouragement, and support.
Supplies: “At Home With The Word”
booklet and “Prepare the Word” monthly
pamphlet.
Meetings are held on the 3rd Sunday of
every month from 3-5pm in the Guadalupe Room. Please contact: Kay Parker at
For more information call Bob Moore at
(210) 494-4517, Jim Lee at (210) 442210-494-0835 or Velma Spruel-Williams
9954 , or Nick Young at (210) 402-6109. at 210-416-5563.
Knights of Columbus Council 7613
www.kofc7613.org
A.C.T.S.
WOMEN'S A.C.T.S.
Prayer Group Meeting
All ACTS Sisters are invited to gather for
Prayer and Fellowship the first Saturday of
each month. Please bring your Gentle
Spirits, Kind Hearts, and Beautiful Voices.
Returning Sisters, remember to bring your
Blessings Journal. For more information,
please contact: Dahlia Zavala @ 494-3966
Wednesday Night
Men’s ACTS Prayer Meeting
Join us every Wednesday night at 7:30pm, in
Room 201 of Christopher Hall for
music, prayer, and spiritual reflection.
• All men are welcome
• No need to have attended an A.C.T.S.
retreat
• This is your invitation to come and see
what it is all about
• No RSVP needed!
If you bring your Bible and your rosary, we’ll bring
fellowship, friendship, and hospitality.
See you there this Wednesday!
OUTREACH
Society of
St. Vincent
de Paul
Fourth Sunday of Advent:
Jesus was born during the night of the year
when darkness is the longest.
The Savior of the world comes for the people in dark places. The real, lasting, and
deep joy is that the Light shines there.
Through your gift to the Society of St.
Vincent de Paul, “Light” has shown,
bringing real, lasting and deep joy to the
hearts of the poor who live in dark
places in our streets and neighborhoods.
The pantry is in need of these items:
*Shampoo *Bath Soap*
*Dish Soap *Tooth Paste* Sugar*
St. Mark’s
Criminal Justice
Ministry
Monthly Meetings
2nd Tuesday
Rm 201 Christopher
Hall
If you’re looking for a way to serve
your fellow man, if you’re just curious, come; all are welcome.
Like a shepherd he feeds his flock;
in his arms he gathers the lambs” IS 40: 11
St. Mark the Evangelist
Catholic Church
Men’s ACTS Retreat
January 7-10, 2016
Join us and discover a new
dimension to your faith.
Retreat Director: Leo Forget
Leo Forget: (210-241-9711)
Mike Pattillo: 210-338-5523 or
Ken Kurburski 210-882-6344
People ask what TIFA is? We know
what you are going through. Most of us
have been where you are now, overwhelmed by all that is happening and
fearful for the safety of our loved
ones.... shock, despair, confusion. Losing someone to the system is very like a
death. We grieve the loss of that person in our daily lives, and we grieve the
loss of all our hopes and dreams for a
future with that loved one. You do not
have to go through this alone. We provide support, education, and advocacy
for our members through monthly chapter meetings Texas wide, quarterly
newsletters, and access to the executive
director of TIFA. Our Mission is breaking the cycle of crime by strengthening
families through support, education,
and advocacy.
We hold our monthly meetings in the
Matthew/Mark room every third
Thursday.
If you have any questions, contact Lucia
Hamilton by calling (915) 204-5870,
texting (210) 858-7602, or emailing
[email protected].
Retreats, Visitation, RCIA, Bible
Study, Compassion, Communication, Spirituality, Assistance, Prayer,
Communion Services, Support.
For information contact
Gerald Gaenslen - 210-404-9091;
[email protected]
Bill Schott – 210-218-5573;
[email protected]
“Amen, I say to you, whatever you
did for these least brothers of mine,
you did for me.” Matt. 25
We have been there.…We can help!
Weekly AA Meeting Schedule
Monday and Thursday
(Women Only - Closed Book Study):
12:00 pm in Christopher Hall in Room 201.
For further information, call Terri at
213-8362 or the AA Help-Line
@ 828-6235.
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
The St. Vincent de
Paul Society is once
again sponsoring St.
Mark’s Annual Giving
Tree. Ornaments were
placed on the trees located in the
gathering space and both side entrances on Thanksgiving weekend.
The children’s ornaments will contain
a child’s age and gender, and the
senior’s ornaments will be designated
by gender and size.
Please select an ornament and return
an UNWRAPPED present under the
tree. Gift cards and donations for City
Public Service gift certificates will be
gratefully accepted. If making a financial donation, please note Giving
Tree in the memo line.
For further information,
or to volunteer, please
contact Rosemary Bailey
at (210) 355-6823.
We thank you in advance for your
kindness, thoughtfulness and continued generosity. May God continue to
bless you and your family this coming
Christmas season, as we join together
in helping other families celebrate the
birth of His Son, Jesus Christ.
Elderly to Spiritual Elder Course
What is the purpose of my life?
Where did I come from? Why am I
here? Where am I going? Those of us
who are older (55 and up) have even
more time to contemplate these questions than ever before.
This 7-week course will challenge all
participants to gracefully embrace the
aging process and learn to be a person of
wisdom for the generations to follow.
We will learn to value the history
of our lives as well as look forward to
a happy, fruitful future by learning
from Hebrew, Christian and other Traditions ways to effect positive transitions in our lives.
We will meet Wednesday mornings
from 10:30-12:30 in Shalom. The donation is $45. The sessions begin
January 6, 2016. For details, questions, and to register call Linda Baksic
at (210) 391-1911.
ST. MARK THE EVANGELIST
CATHOLIC CHURCH
AND
A great team!
Starting our 21st home together
#build for better
Key Dates:
Jan. 2 & 3 Project info & volunteer signup
Feb. 26 Construction begins
Apr. 30 Dedication
For more information, contact:
Bill or Kathy Faucher
(210) 496-7221 or
[email protected]
For fundraising questions, contact:
Sam or Bev Szalwinski
(210) 496-6310
COMMUNITY AND SERVICE
Bible Study—James:
Pearls for Wise Living
End of
Year
Giving
Starting January 5, 2016, we
will begin the study of
St. Mark’s Capital Campaign
James. Although James is a brief letter,
its wisdom speaks directly to everyday
As you reflect on your year-end tax planning, we
living. James will challenge you with the
ask that you consider making use of the income
question: “Is your life real?” He contax charitable deduction. Your 2015 year-end gift to St. Mark
stantly pleads for authenticity encouragthe Evangelist Catholic Church not only may reduce your income
ing the reader to seek a faith that extax bill, it will provide St. Mark’s with the support it needs to reach its
presses itself in action. Truly, James is
capital campaign goal.
the finest book to study during this Year
of Mercy in which Pope Francis proMake your gift before December 31 to be eligible for a 2015 deducclaims: “It is absolutely essential for the
Church and for the credibility of her mes- tion. You may make a contribution by sending a check through the
mail, in person at the pastoral office, or online through WeShare at
sage that she herself live and testify to
https://stmarkevangelist.weshareonline.org/.
mercy” (Misericordiae Vultus). Join us
starting January 5, 2016 to learn more
about how to live this authentic life. The
St. Mark the Evangelist
study meets every Tuesday morning and
evening.
Women’s Guild &
Contact Sheryl Parker for morning
Knights of Columbus #7613
classes (9:00-11:00) at (210) 274-1031
2016 Scholarship
and Carolyn Hrncir for evening classes
(6:30-8:45) at (210) 494-7352. BabysitEligibility Requirements & Instructions
ting is provided.
Discover the Epic Story of
The Early Church!
Discover the first 500 years of
Church history! Epic: The Early
Church will lead you through a powerful, fast paced journey from the
lives of the apostles through the rise
and fall of Constantine. You will meet
courageous saints, eloquent theologians, ruthless emperors and heroic
martyrs. This 10 Part study features
dynamic DVD presentations with
Church history professor Steve Weidenkopf, and student materials including a full color workbook, timeline chart and bookmark.
Don't miss this opportunity to take
part in a compelling and inspiring
learning experience that is sure to
draw you closer to Christ through a
deeper understanding of His Church!
Registration is after all Masses on
December 13.
Classes begin January 8.
If you cannot register at that time,
call Don Cosgrove at (210) 7100722 or email [email protected]
To be eligible to apply for a $1,000 scholarship, you must be:
• A high school senior.
• Registered at St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church.
• Plan to attend a certified college or vocational school in 2016-2017.
• Involved in St. Mark the Evangelist Catholic Church or other church
related activities.
This scholarship is based on merit and service emphasizing church activities. Students
may find the application form, full guidelines, and essay topics on the St. Mark website.
The deadline for your submission of a fully completed application with a well thought
out, typed essay is Friday,
February 5, 2016 at 12 noon in the
Pastoral Office.
LATE APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
For more information, please contact
Deacon Steve Marques at (210) 269-1339 or Denise Wayman at (210) 317-8155.
Do you have your
“Keep Christ in Christmas” car magnet yet?
The Columbian Squires are selling
“Keep Christ in Christmas”
car magnets for $5 each.
To purchase a magnet, call John Thabet
at (210) 834-8478.
20 de diciembre de 2015
Cuarto Domingo de Adviento
UN ORDEN NUEVO
“Oh, pequeña aldea de Belén”; un clérigo de Filadelfia llamado Phillips Brooks escribió este popular
villancico a mediados de los 1800, pero el profeta Miqueas hubiera podido hacerlo primero. Miqueas sabía
que el tesoro grande viene en estuche pequeño. En la
primera lectura de hoy, él sabía que del pueblito de
Belén vendría el Señor.
El escritor de la carta a los hebreos explica que
Cristo vino a nosotros para hacer la voluntad de Dios
de establecer un nuevo orden y ser un sacrificio perfecto. Y Lucas nos dice que Isabel y Juan, el pequeño
en sus entrañas, comprenden que grandes maravillas
han llegado con la venida del Señor.
Este es el Cuarto Domingo de Adviento. Mañana
celebramos de nuevo el fruto de tu vientre, María.
Como se nos dice en Hebreos, el nuevo orden de
Jesús se está creando hoy mismo. Y como proclama
Miqueas, su grandeza llega ahora mismo hasta los
confines de la tierra. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Lecturas de Hoy
Primera lectura — De ti, Belén, saldrá el que será
el jefe de Israel (Miqueas 5:1-4a).
Salmo — Señor, muéstranos tu favor y sálvanos
(Salmo 80 [79]).
Segunda lectura — Al hacer Cristo la voluntad del
Padre, es decir, al ofrecerse él mismo, hemos sido
consagrados (Hebreos 10:5-10).
Evangelio — Bendita eres entre las mujeres, y bendito es el fruto de tu vientre (Lucas 1:39-45).
Lecturas de La Semana
Lunes:
Martes:
Miércoles:
Jueves:
Viernes:
Tradiciones de Nuestra Fe
Esta semana recordamos a los niños judíos que
fueron asesinados por orden del Rey Herodes en
Belén. Esa tragedia que ocurrió cuando el viejo y celoso rey se enteró del nacimiento de un nuevo rey de
los judíos. Él mandó a matar a todo niño que tuviera
menos de dos años. El llanto de las familias que perdieron sus pobres inocentes se ha convertido en risas
en varios países latinoamericanos. El 28 de diciembre
en muchas partes es conmemorado como el día de
los inocentes que viene siendo el April Fools Day de
Latinoamérica. En ese día se hacen bromas para burlarse de los amigos. Si la broma funciona al pobre que
fue engañado se le llama “inocente.”
La inocencia normalmente se atribuye a los niños
o a los ingenuos, pero en si la inocencia es una virtud
cristiana, de los que hemos sido perdonados por Cristo. Esta inocencia no es ingenuidad mas bien es la
candidez, simplicidad y generosidad de una persona
que conoce bien lo duro que es la vida y aún así mantiene la esperanza. -Fray Gilberto Cavazos-Glz, OFM, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.
Sábado:
Domingo:
Cant 2:8-14 or Sof 3:14-18a; Sal 33 (32):2-3,
11-12, 20-21; Lc 1:39-45
1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lc 1:46-56
Mal 3:1-4, 23-34; Sal 25 (24):4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lc 1:57-66
2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16;
Sal 89 (88):2-5, 27, 29; Lc 1:67-79
Vigilia: Is 62:1-5; Sal 89 (88):4-5, 16-17, 27, 29;
Hch 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25]
Aurora: Is 62:11-12; Sal 97 (96):1, 6, 11-12;
Tit 3:4-7; Lc 2:15-20
Día: Is 52:7-10; Sal 98 (97):1-6; Heb 1:1-6;
Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]
Hch 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Sal 31 (30):3cd-4, 6, 8ab,
16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22
Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 o 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28;
Sal 128 (127:1-5 o Sal 84 (83):2-3, 5-6, 9-10;
La Alegria del Evangelio: La fe obra en el amor
¡El será paz! Los profetas le llevaron un mensaje
acerca de un reino de paz a la gente de Dios. Los
Israelitas experimentaron de esa paz cuando el Señor
estaba con ellos y pesadumbre cuando ellos vivieron
alejados de Él. Así nosotros experimentamos
frustración en lugar de gozo cuando escogemos los
placeres mundanos en vez de la Gloria del Reino del
Cielo. La carta a los Hebreos nos dice que el designio
de Dios debe de ser nuestro objetivo. La Virgen
María, nuestro principal modelo de discipulado,
aceptó completamente a Dios cuando le fue ofrecido
el regalo de llevar en sus entrañas un hijo que sería
nuestro Salvador. Que sigamos a María en su
respuesta al Señor: Vengo a cumplir con tu designio.
Oracion de Papa Francisco para Jubileo de Misericordia
Señor Jesucristo, tú nos has enseñado a ser
misericordiosos como el Padre del
cielo, y nos has dicho que quien te
ve, lo ve también a Él. Muéstranos
tu rostro y obtendremos la salvación. Tu mirada llena de amor
liberó a Zaqueo y a Mateo de la
esclavitud del dinero; a la adúltera
y a la Magdalena del buscar la
felicidad solamente en una creatura; hizo llorar a Pedro luego de la
traición, y aseguró el Paraíso al
ladrón arrepentido.
Haz que cada uno de nosotros escuche
como propia la palabra que dijiste a la
samaritana: ¡Si conocieras el don de Dios!
Tú eres el rostro visible del Padre
invisible, del Dios que manifiesta su omnipotencia sobre todo con el perdón y la
misericordia: haz que, en el mundo, la
Iglesia sea el rostro visible de Ti, su
Señor, resucitado y glorioso.
Tú has querido que también tus ministros fueran revestidos de debilidad para
que sientan sincera compasión por los que
se encuentran en la ignorancia o en el error:
haz que quien se acerque a uno de ellos se
sienta esperado, amado y perdonado por Dios.
Manda tu Espíritu y conságranos a todos
con su unción para que el Jubileo de la Misericordia sea un año de gracia del Señor y tu
Iglesia pueda, con renovado entusiasmo, llevar
la Buena Nueva a los pobres proclamar la
libertad a los prisioneros y oprimidos y restituir la vista a los ciegos.
Te lo pedimos por intercesión de María,
Madre de la Misericordia, a ti que vives y reinas con el Padre y el Espíritu Santo por los
siglos de los siglos. Amén.