Parish Weekly Bulletin

Dec. 14, 2008

Communion Visits to the Homebound -Members of this ministry take Holy Communion and visit with parishioners who are unable to attend Mass.  This service is available for short and long term convalescence.  Please call the Parish Office (791-9030).

Driving Ministry– For parishioners needing transportation to weekend Mass, for health related appointments and grocery shopping.  Please call Donna Piening (791-7449) or the Parish Office (791-9030).

St. Vincent for the Poor – (791-9030)

Prayer Chain – To request prayers for a special intention call the Parish Office (791-9030).

Web site: www.svfchurch.org

Monday, December 15, 2008

Nm 24:2-7,15-17a  Mt 21:23-27

8:30 AM            Michael DeGregorio

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Zep 3:1-2,9-13  Mt 21:28-32

8:30 AM            Carmen Lynch

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Gn 49:2,8-10  Mt 1:1-17

8:30 AM            Adrian Miciano

Thursday, December 18, 2008

Jer 23:5-8  Mt 1:18-25

8:30 AM            Communion Service

Friday, December 19, 2008

Jgs 13:2-7,24-25a  Lk 1:5-25

8:30 AM            Bob Kamp

Saturday, December 20, 2008

Is 7:10-14  Lk 1:26-38

5:00 PM            Betty Lindhorst

Sunday, December 21, 2008

Fourth Sunday of Advent

2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16  Rom 16:25-27  Lk

1:26-38

These Scriptures proclaim: David’s posterity

shall endure forever.  His kingship finds its

fulfillment in the son of Mary, Jesus the

Christ.  To him be glory and praise forever.

9:00 AM            Paul Bohart

10:30 AM          Members of St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

12:00 Noon        Elmer Koch

Monday, December 15, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Church

9:00 AM-5:00 PM           Solemn Exposition-Chapel (stop in for 15 minutes)

3:00 PM                        Play Practice – café

6:30 PM                        Rel Ed sub-committee-Rel Ed Office

6:30 PM                        School Commission sub-committee- Lib.

7:00 PM                        Communications-B

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass– Chapel

1:00 PM                        Bible – Chapel

1:30 PM                        Bridge Marathon-cafe

3:00 PM                        Scouts - 124

7:30 PM                        Choir - Church

Wednesday, December 17, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass – Church

7:30 PM                        Faith Sharing - Chapel

8:00 PM                        Men’s Club - cafeteria

Thursday, December 18, 2008  

6:30 AM                         Communion Service –                                        Chapel

8:30 AM                        Communion Service-                                       Chapel

11:30 AM                      Fun Lunch Bunch – B

7:00 PM                        School Christmas

                                    Concert – Church

8:00 PM                        School reception-                                               cafeteria

Friday, December 19, 2008

6:30 AM                        Communion Service – Chapel

8:30 AM                        Mass  – Chapel

11:30 AM                      Roamin Catholic luncheon - HH

3:00 PM                        Play practice – café.

Saturday, December 20, 2008

3:30-4:30 PM                 Confessions (Fr. Davis) -Church

5:00 PM                        Mass – (Fr. Davis)

Sunday, December 21, 2008

9:00 AM                        Play practice – café.

9:00 AM                        PREP/EC

9:00 AM                        Mass  - (Dominican Priest)  – Church

10:30 AM                      Mass  – (Fr. Kunkel)  –Church

10:30 AM                      Bingo set up – cafeteria

12:00 PM                      Mass – (RCIA dismissal) (Fr. Kunkel) – Church

12:30 PM                      Bingo – cafeteria

7:00 PM                        Bible Study - HH

8:00 PM                        AA

St. Vincent for the Poor Collection

PLEASE NOTE PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

All Parish Offices will be closed December 24, 25 & 26 in observance of the Christmas Holiday & December 31, January 1 & 2 in observance of the New Year Holiday.

 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

The Jewish leaders questioned John the Baptist asking who he was.  They even took a few guesses themselves suggesting that he was the Messiah, Elijah, or a prophet.  John had his own following who would have been glad to acknowledge him in any of these three categories, but John made it clear that he was simply announcing the one to come who would be much greater than himself.

Reflection: So often our identity is tied to another person.  We are Jim’s mom, Tom’s wife, Sue’s husband, or Mary’s daughter.  Like John did in today’s gospel, we may even define ourselves by who we are not.  John made it clear he was not the Messiah, a prophet, or Elijah returned.  What John is, is the same thing we are, and that is a herald the person who brings the Good News about Jesus Christ into the lives of others.  In our families we do this by our faithful participation in worship, prayer, and actions.

RETIREMENT FUND FOR RELIGIOUS COLLECTION – December 13 & 14

The second collection will be for the many religious Sister, Brothers and Priests who have dedicated their lives to serve others in God’s name.  Even in their retirement, they continue to counsel, teach and pray for us all. Sister Patricia Marie Tyree a member of the Sisters of Notre Dame from Covington, Kentucky will be speaking before all Masses concerning the collection.

WELCOME FAMILY, FRIENDS AND NEIGHBORS TO ST. VINCENT FERRER FOR CHRISTMAS

Christmas is a time for homecoming and that is especially true for the Catholic community.  If you know of someone who is looking for a place to attend Mass on Christmas, why not invite them to come here to St. Vincent’s?  Better still; invite them to come with you.  We want to extend a warm welcome to all.

HERALD THE GOOD NEWS

During this third week of Advent we are invited to “Rejoice for the Lord is near!”  I encourage you to try to take a few minutes away from the hustle and bustle of shopping etc. and breathe deeply of God’s presence and the joy that only God can give.

LITURGICAL MINISTERS

SIGN-UP FOR CHRISTMAS MASSES

Liturgical Ministers are needed for all the Christmas Masses.  Sign-up sheets for Ushers and Eucharistic Ministers are posted in the Usher’s Room. 

SVF FLOWER MINISTRY  

Special thanks to the SVF parishioners who will be delivering poinsettias to over 50 SVF parishioners who are homebound or in nursing homes this Christmas season. 

CALENDARS

At the doors of the Church today are liturgical calendars for 2009.  These calendars are a nice way to weave our everyday appointments and family events into the liturgical seasons of the Church.  They are also a gentle reminder of the many saints we honor throughout the year.  We are grateful to Thomas-Justin Funeral Homes for providing them.

                                                -Fr. George Kunkel

THANK YOU…

The Strutz family is grateful for the outpouring of sympathy, prayers, and affection from the SVF community following my husband’s unexpected death recently.  Thank you for the cards, Masses, memorials, and meals.  Your kindness will always be remembered. –Mary Lou Strutz

CHRISTMAS & NEW YEAR’S

MASS SCHEDULE

Wednesday December 24 Christmas Eve        

3:00 P.M.          Mass for the Vigil of Christmas

5:00 P.M.          Mass for the Vigil of Christmas   

10:00 P.M.        Mass for the Vigil of Christmas   

Thursday December 25^th Christmas Day         

10:30 A.M.        Mass

12:00 Noon        Mass

Wednesday December 31

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

3:00 P.M.  Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

5:00 P.M.  Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

Thursday January 1, 2008

Solemnity of Mary Mother of God

10:30 A.M.        Mass for the Holy Day

MUSIC FOR CHRISTMAS EVE &

CHRISTMAS DAY LITURGIES

Christmas Eve–3:00 pm Mass (Family Liturgy)

Presider – Fr. George Kunkel

Music for this Liturgy- Tatiana (I Do Believe) & Jim McCormick

Christmas Eve-5:00 pm Mass (Parish Liturgy)

Presider – Fr. George Kunkel

Prelude Music: 4:45 p.m.

Music for this Liturgy- Tatiana (I Do Believe) & Jim McCormick

Christmas Eve-10:00 pm Mass (Parish Liturgy)

Presider – Fr. George Kunkel

Prelude Music: 9:20 p.m.

Music for this Liturgy – SVF Parish Choir; Organ, Jim McCormick; Piano, Mimi Goel; brass quintet & tympani

Christmas Day–10:30 a.m. Mass (Parish Liturgy)

Presider – Fr. George Kunkel

Music for this Liturgy – SVF Parish Contemporary Ensemble; Organ & Piano, Jim McCormick; Trumpet, Clem Luken

Christmas Day-Noon Mass (Parish Liturgy)

Presider – Fr. Lou Guntzelman

Music for this Liturgy – Organ

VOCATION VIEW

God gives you a mission.  Respond!  Rejoice in the Spirit who is at work in you.

(Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11)

BAPTISM

Please welcome the newest member of our faith community: Matthew Daniel Wiegand Romanus, son of Stephan & Megan Romanus, who was recently baptized.  Congratulations to the proud parents.

BAPTISM PREPARATION CLASS

The baptism preparation class is for parents who are having their first child baptized.  The next class will be offered on Sunday, March 8 at 1:15 p.m. in the Community Building Chapel.  You must call the parish office 791-9030 to register.

In The Hospital or Recovering at Home:

So that as a parish we can keep in our prayers those in our community who are ill, St. Vincent Ferrer Parish would like to publish the names of those parishioners and their families who are in the hospital, recovering from an illness or going through treatments.  We ask that you contact the Parish Office at 791-9030.

Glorianne Barbacane, Jim Boyatt, Gerry Brinker, Jenny Castelluccio, William Church, Ann Corder, Joe Crachiolo, Bette DiSalvo, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Marie Kleiman, Anne Kowalski, Mary Langemeier, Mary Sue Lawrence, Ann Lytle, Mary Alice Menke, Marilyn Naehring, Maurice Niehaus, Earlene Retford, Grace Schwallie, George Seurkamp, Marie Sheehy, Phyllis Villari.

ST. VINCENT FOR THE POOR

Our next-door collection for our St. Vincent for the Poor Society will take place the weekend of December 20 & 21.  The baskets will be in the back of Church.  Your generosity is appreciated.

PREP & Early Childhood Programs

Merry Christmas!  PREP & Early Childhood classes will resume January 4^th. 

ATTENTION ALL STUDENTS in Grades 7-12!

You are invited to join All Saints’ Youth Group!

(Youth Room is located below the north wing of All Saints.)

Grades 9 through 12 from all schools are invited to join All Saints’ H.S. Youth Group.

**Dec. 14          Youth Room     6:45-8:30 PM

Highschoolers of the Well (HOW)

Monday evenings from 6:45PM – 8:30PM, in All Saints’ Youth Room … that’s the when and the where and the HOW.  We’re on for Dec. 15^th.

An important future date for your calendars is January 22^nd.  Please try to clear as much of that day (after school) as possible for our “Right to Life” efforts … details to follow!

High School Catholics from lots of schools meet to share, learn, discuss, eat, pontificate, joke, pray, support, laugh, sympathize and empathize, complain and sustain, and enjoy a safe, neat group of peers. You are welcome to join us … that’s how HOW kids are!

Questions?  Call All Saints at 791-6351,

or SVF’s Kara Feltrup at 891-5597.

ATTENTION! - The Parish Library is now located in the Office of Faith Formation, on the 2^nd floor of the Parish Center.  Hours are 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM, Mondays through Thursdays.  Stop by to peruse our wide selection.  Book returns can be made at that time, or placed in the blue bin in the main hall.

CHRISTMAS AT MERCY ST. THERESA

Thanks to SVF parishioners for the generous donation that will enable us to purchase a gas grill & 50-cup coffee pot to be used by the residents at Mercy St. Theresa.  God bless all of you and have a blessed Christmas!

Lifetouch Parish Family Directory

   Thank you to all who took time to participate in the 2008 / 2009 Parish Family Directory. It is a great Reference Guide to recognizing and meeting fellow parishioners and with such a good response; we even added and filled an additional day.  We realize that due to some circumstances that not all families that wanted to were photographed. There is a "small window" of time to make "other" arrangements. For more information, please contact a Communications Commission member.

   A special thank you to all who assisted in the "Process" of scheduling our families with their

Portrait Sessions as well as all of our host and hostesses who welcomed and signed in our families to their session. Your time and effort is truly appreciated.

   The Directory will be available in the Spring and information on your free 8" x 10" Portrait will be coming shortly. Thanks again!

Paper Recycling

Bringing your paper trash to the green and yellow bin next to the school, you are supporting SJ&O activities as well as helping the environment.  We receive about $100 from Abitibi each month that we then use to sponsor mission work and to help support SVF projects. Thank you!!  

ALUMINUM CAN RECYCLING

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish recycles empty aluminum beverage cans.  The can recycling container is located next to the paper-recycling bin. We only accept beverage cans (soda, beer, juice) - no soup cans, sauce cans or other types of cans please.  Please make sure your cans are rinsed and completely empty before putting them in our container. 

DID YOU KNOW…             

Our students and staff have focused on the cystic fibrosis organization this week that will benefit from two special service projects. First, we held a special "Bake Sale" with "Goodies" provided by grades 5 and 8, on Wednesday to support this organization and then, our annual "CrossTown Shootout" between the SVF Xavier and UC teams collected other funds for cystic fibrosis. The "Shootout" took place on Friday and the children paid to wear either blue and white for Xavier or red and black for UC. Thanks to all for supporting our efforts this week!

HIGH SCHOOL FIRST QUARTER

HONOR ROLL

The following students have earned honors for the first quarter: St. Ursula Academy – First Honors: Victoria Cardone & Margaret Abraham. Congratulations on a job well done!  Any High School parishioner who made the honor roll needs to have their school provide us a list so your name can be included in the bulletin.

CATHOLIC SCHOOLS WEEK-2009

We will celebrate Catholic Schools Week beginning Sunday, January 25, 2009. Our celebration will continue all week thru Friday, January 30. This year we would like to honor a "Distinguished Alumni" from St. Vincent Ferrer School. If you would like to nominate someone for this honor, please send your nomination to Mrs. Suzanne Bryce, PTO Chairperson, at bryce5svf@hotmail.com or Mr.Z., Stephen Zinser, Principal, at zinser_s@svf-school.org. Please include a short description of why this person should be honored. All nominations should be sent by Sunday, January 18, 2009. We look forward to a wonderful celebration. Our thanks to the St. Vincent Ferrer Faith Community for their continued support and prayers for our school!

HONEY BAKED HAM FOR CHRISTMAS

No need to stand in the long line at Honey Baked Ham…The SVF Dance Team will be taking orders for Honey Baked Hams and other items. Deadline for prepaid order: Monday, December 15. Additional order forms will be available in the back of Church, the School & Parish Offices.  Pick up will be Tuesday, December 23 from 5-7 p.m. in the cafeteria.  Any questions call Amy Painter, 777-5404 or apaint36@aol.com

There will be NO monthly meeting in the month of December for the Roamin’ Catholics.

ANNUAL CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

The Christmas Party is scheduled for Friday, December 19.  The doors will open at 11:45 a.m. and serving will begin at noon.  We look forward to many of you joining us for a very fun, festive time. Reservations closed

SHOP ONLINE & HELP THE PARISH!  Parishioners can now benefit the parish by shopping online from over 1,000 stores, including Target, Lands End, Staples, Amazon and more.  Through an organization called Fundraising Solutions, the websites rebate a percentage of each sale directly to SVF.  The rebate varies depending on the website, but rebates can be as much as 37% of the sale. You pay no more than if you went to the website directly.  To take advantage of this great offer, go to www.svfchurch.org, click on the “church” tab, then click the icon about halfway down the right side of the page under “Shopping.”  This will take you to Fundraising Solutions.  Once you are at the Fundraising Solutions website, you can search for the retailer you want and will be taken directly to their website. It will be as if you went to this website yourself.  All purchases must be made by going through the link on the SVF website for SVF to receive the rebate. 

SVF MEN’S CLUB

The next monthly meeting will be held on Wednesday December 17^th at 8 p.m. in the cafeteria.  The activity for the evening will be a $15 gift exchange.  Subway & beer will be served.  Upcoming event: Father/Daughter Square Dance in January.  Happy Holidays and see you at the meeting.  Check the SVF website for more information.

FUN LUNCH BUNCH

Seniors 55+

We would like to invite you to enjoy an afternoon with your friends. 

When: The Fun Lunch Bunch meets the 3^rd Thursday of the month, Sept – May.

Our next lunch date is: December 18^th  

Time: 11:30 a.m. Light lunch is served for a small fee. You may stay and play cards or visit with friends.  There is no obligation to attend every month.  There are no meetings or commitments.  It’s just an afternoon out with your friends.  Reservations must be made at least 2 days before the lunch at the Parish Office (791-9030), so we can provide for everyone.

BINGO AT ST. VINCENT FERRER

Doors open at 11:30 a.m.; concession provided; instants are sold at 1:00 p.m.; first Bingo game begins at 1:30 p.m.; Bingo will end by 5:00 p.m.  Bingo questions call 324-3788 or Brenda Hauser, 984-8446.

BINGO VOLUNTEERS WORKERS for Dec. 21

Mary Ungruhn, Allen Arthur, Betty Flynn, Scott Schmid, Carole Rich, Paul Rich, Mary Claire Sweeney, Dan Diemer, Cathy Grisby, and Shirley Currens.

BULLETIN DEADLINES

We need to receive all articles in writing by Monday at 2:00 p.m. You should indicate the dates you would like your bulletin article to appear.  Unless otherwise indicated, all articles will run for 2 weeks. 

HOLIDAY DEADLINES:  The deadline for the December 28 bulletin is Wednesday, December 17 at noon and the deadline for the January 4 bulletin is Monday, December 22 at noon.

BULLETIN INSERTS

Please call the parish office to get your bulletin insert on the calendar.  All inserts must be put on the insert calendar as soon as possible. (The number of inserts are limited to 2 per week) and the copies need to be in the Parish office by Wednesday morning.  This will allow the bulletin stuffers ample time to adjust their calendar for volunteer time.  A special thanks to our volunteer bulletin stuffers, we appreciate your help!

MOVING?

Don’t forget to notify the parish office of your new address and phone number when moving.

CHRISTMAS CONCERT

The Music Ministry of All Saints and Friends Church presents “Come and See”…A Choral Christmas Concert. Friday December 19^th 7:30 PM, All Saints Church. Enjoy an evening of music celebrating the Christmas season. Singers and musicians of all ages combine to present this gift to the community. You won’t want to miss it!

Fresh-Cut Christmas Trees

by Scout Troop 18

For the 43^rd year now, Boy Scout Troop 18 will be selling fresh-cut Christmas Trees daily until Christmas, or they are sold out, whichever comes first.  The Scouts will be selling all varieties: Scotch Pine, Frazier Fur, Balsam, White Pine, even a few Douglas Furs.  And you’ll be able to get your pine roping too.  The Christmas Tree lot is conveniently located at St. Savior Church on Plainfield Road north of Galbraith and across from Deer Park High School.  Buy one while they last: Saturdays and Sundays: 9 a.m. – 9 p.m. and weekdays: 3 p.m. – 9 p.m.  Your boys in Troop 18 wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and happy New Year!