Parish Weekly Bulletin

2008-2009

PARISH PASTORAL COUNCIL

Chairperson Barry Auer 984-1041

Vice-Chairperson John Abraham 791-4527

Member-at-Large Amy Hobler 984-3087

Member-at-Large Mary Kay Lynch 731-7155

Member-at-Large Peg Halpin 631-7301

Member-at-Large Conrad Neumann 793-3165

Athletics Steve Schaefer 792-9455

Building & Finance Ray Bauman 984-4239

Education Comm. Ken Gleason 891-4280

Worship Debbie Kamp 891-4168

Development Comm. John Sichel 891-7237

Community Life Phil Hying 984-1533

Social Justice Comm. Chris Homan 745-9958

Festival Comm. Patti Lowe 793-1112

Seminary Intern Adam Puntel 686-1126

Communication & Volunteer Recruitment Comm.

Gerald Shannon 791-9313

Recording Secretary Maryanne Staubach 891-0949

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).

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

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Monday, January 5, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The wise men from the East came to Jerusalem and asked where the child who was King of the Jews might be found. Herod was concerned about this birth, and as a result had worked up the total population of Jerusalem as well. To the wise men, he acted as though he wanted, like them, to go and worship this child. He asked the wise men to figure out where the child was and then come back and tell him. Of course, we know that in his heart, Herod only wanted to destroy Jesus. And we also know that nothing can be hidden from God, who knew Herod’s heart. God sent an angel to the wise men in a dream and told them to go home by a different way and avoid Herod.

Reflection: We love this story because it’s filled with things we treasure: gifts, adventure, danger, and mystery. Through these elements, Matthew has made it clear that the magi are foreigners (of the Gentile world in Matthew’s day). It is reassuring for us to know and to help others come to understand that God welcomes all people of the world to the family of God. By our Baptism, we are part of a family of faith, and as parents, we spend our lives leading our children in that faith and demonstrating to them how we live our own faith.

The Lord has truly blessed us with a wonderful celebration of Christmas this year. Once again, my thanks to all the members of the Art and Environment Ministry for the long hours they spent in making our Church so beautiful. We have received many compliments about how nice it looks. I want to thank all of the members of the Music Ministry for enhancing our liturgies with song and music. The choir, the contemporary ensemble and all the instrumentalists certainly made a joyful sound for Jesus’ birthday. I am grateful, too, for all of our Lectors, Servers, Eucharistic Ministers, Ushers and Greeters, and the members of our Liturgy Planning Team and the Worship Commission for helping to arrange and plan the liturgies.

Finally, a sincere “thank you” to all of our parishioners and visitors for your contributions to our Christmas offering. I am deeply grateful for your generosity. Our parish’s ministry is blessed by your gifts.

The celebration of Christmas concludes Sunday January 11^th, with the Baptism of the Lord. Ordinary Time then resumes until we begin Lent in February. In the meantime, several observances occur this month, including the National Week of Prayer for Church Vocations – January 12-January 18; Martin Luther King Day on January 19 and the anniversary of the Supreme Court’s decision on abortion (Roe vs. Wade) on January 22.

Fr. George Kunkel will be out of town from January 5 thru January 9 to attend a workshop. There will be a Communion Service each morning at 8:30 a.m. The Communion Service on Wednesday, January 7 will be at 8:30 a.m. in the Church.

From January 11-17, we celebrate Vocation Awareness Week. A “vocation” is a calling and we all have one. As God is the source of all lasting good, the vocation He is calling us to will be the one that will bring our lives the greatest joy and satisfaction possible. During this week, we pray in a special way for those whom God is calling to the priesthood, religious life and Diaconate. We pray that they will have courage, humility, charity and obedience to hear and respond to God’s call. Listen as well to God’s call in your own life and be willing to prayerfully discern what He wants for you. If you have questions call the Vocation Director, Fr. Kyle Schnippel at 421-3131 or e-mail

St. Vincent School will resume on Monday January 5. SVF PREP and Early Childhood classes will resume on Sunday January 4.

Sunday, January 18^th is “Sanctity of Life Sunday”. We ask that you remember the Lord’s little ones on this special day. St. Vincent Ferrer has prepared a special envelope marked Respect Life on January 18 for your support of the ministry done at Pregnancy Center East. All monies collected will be sent directly to Pregnancy Center East. The envelope is with your regular Sunday collection envelopes. This Center offers women alternatives to abortion. They offer free confidential pregnancy tests, counseling, adoption information, infant clothes and diapers – and a variety of other services. The Center has a 24-hour help line (321-3100) and is located in the Hyde Park Medical Arts Building, Suite 11 at 2752 Erie Avenue. Thanks for your financial and spiritual support on January 18.

God’s glory continues to shine in our world. You need to carry the light of Christ. Consider being a light for the world as a Church minister.

Please welcome the newest members of our faith community: Anna Catherine Bosco & Brooke Elaine Bosco, children of Christopher & Emily Bosco who were recently baptized. Congratulations to the proud parents.

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.

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, Robert Churchill, Ann Corder, Joe Crachiolo, Bette DiSalvo, James Galosi, Mark Glevicky, Mary Heinlen, John Hill, Virginia Howd, Marie Kleiman, Anne Kowalski, Mary Langemeier, Mary Sue Lawrence, Ann Lytle, Mary Alice Menke, Marilyn Naehring, Maurice Niehaus, Robert O’Keefe, Earlene Retford, Grace Schwallie, George Seurkamp, Marie Sheehy, Phyllis Villari.

STEWARDSHIP OF OFFERING

Sunday December 21, 2008

Weekly Offertory

Sunday Collection $13,816

Other Donations $761

Estimated Weekly EFT $2,140

Sunday Collection Total $16,717

Other collections

St. Vincent for the Poor $505

Offertory Budget

Weekly Offertory Budget requirement $17,880

Offertory Budget Deficit this week - $1,163

Finance Fact: Up to date collection results, including Christmas and the Feast of Mary, Mother of God (January 1), will appear in the January 11 bulletin.

The St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society

We all know that St. Vincent Ferrer Parish has contributed much to our lives. Many of us were educated here, and many of our children and grand children are being educated here now. We are baptized here, confirmed here, married here, and our lives are celebrated here. It is the focal point of our spiritual life – for liturgy, sacraments, ministry, community service and prayer. It is a great comfort to know that a priest is always available at St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in time of need.

One way to make sure that our parish will prosper into the future is to leave a gift to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish as part of your estate plan. A legacy gift made through your estate helps ensure that our parish is not only here now, but will continue to be here in the future for our loved ones who come after us. It is easy to remember St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in your will. Just tell your estate planner or the attorney who prepares your will what you want to do.

We all understand that our parish relies on the generosity of its members. Without your contributions, we could not carry out our mission to this thriving Catholic community. A legacy gift to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish is a wonderful opportunity to continue your generosity to our parish. To express our appreciation, when you include our parish in your estate plan, you become a member of the St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society.

Membership in the St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society does not require a gift of any pre-determined amount. After you take care of your family and loved ones in your will, please include something for St. Vincent Ferrer Parish. A simple percentage of the remaining estate after all other gifts is an easy way to preserve our parish for future generations. If you prefer, a gift of a specific dollar amount can be one of your provisions. Your tax or estate planner can inform you of the benefits to you of a legacy gift to our parish.

The form below is for your convenience, to inform Fr. George that you have included our parish in your estate plan. Cut it out, fill it in, and bring or mail it to the parish office. For more information about the St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society, please call the parish office. As we begin 2009, thank you for considering a gift to St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in your will.

St. Vincent Ferrer Parish

Heritage Society

Dear Fr. George: I have included St. Vincent Ferrer Parish in my estate plans.

_____ Please include me in the St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society.

_____ I do not wish public recognition

(I wish to remain anonymous).

Signature: ______________________________________

Print Name: ______________________________________

Address: ______________________________________

Zip code_______________________________

Home Phone ___________________________

~ ATTENTION ~

ALL ST. VINCENT FERRER

FALL VOLUNTEERS & CHAPERONES

must participate in a Child Protection Workshop and be Fingerprinted

Workshop & Fingerprinting Dates

New parish volunteers who will be working with children this school year, or those who have not yet had a chance to be fingerprinted or take the workshop will have the opportunity to participate in them at neighboring parishes.

WORKSHOPS:

*Immaculate Heart of Mary–388-4466

7820 Beechmont Avenue (45255)

2^nd Monday of each month @7:30PM

3^rd Wednesday of each month @ 4PM

*Call to confirm!

PERMANENT FINGERPRINTING SITES:

Archdiocese of Cincinnati - 421-3131

100 E. 8th Street (45202)

Monday through Friday -- 9:00AM - 4:00 PM

*Holy Trinity, Norwood – 366-4400

2420 Drexel Avenue (45212)

Monday through Thursday -- 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

*Need appointment or call ahead @ 366-4400

Immaculate Heart of Mary – 388-4466

7820 Beechmont Avenue (45255)

Tuesday through Thursday --9:00 – 5:00PM

St. Maximillian Kolbe – 777-4322

5720 Hamilton-Mason Road (45011)

Monday thru Friday – 9:30-11:30AM & 1:30–4:30PM

and Wednesdays – 1:30 – 7:30 PM

Additional Child Protection Orientation Workshop and Fingerprinting dates and times can be found at www.catholiccincinnati.org , the Archdiocesan website. Click on “Fingerprinting Information”, then onto “Sites” and “Calendar.”

For further information please call Marc Greenberg

in the Parish Office at 791-9030.

On Wednesday, January 14^th, at 7:00 PM, all CONFIRMATION CANDIDATES will be participating in the first of two Spirit Nights. Spirit Night is an opportunity to bring together all those who are preparing for Confirmation to focus on some of the major themes of this sacrament and its significance. All Candidates are expected to attend and will meet in the Community Building Cafeteria.

All Saints is always looking for parishioners who would like to minister with their time and/or talent to the young folks. Please contact Jeff Rosfeld (314-1147 or jrosfeld@gmail.com) if you have an interest in helping.

Monday evenings from 6:45PM – 8:30PM, in All Saints’ Youth Room … that’s the when and the where and the HOW. The next meeting will take place 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!

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.

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.

The Directory will be available in the Spring and information on your free 8" x 10" Portrait will be coming shortly. We have yet to receive all the free copies of the 8’ x 10”. Thanks again!

Many thanks to all of you who participated in our annual ministry to provide Thanksgiving and Christmas meals for the inner city poor. A complete meal of turkey with gravy and all the trimmings was served on several occasions at Our Daily Bread and Over the Rhine Soup Kitchens in Cincinnati.

May God bless all those who cooked turkeys, made gravy, contributed a turkey, contributed cash, or did multiple tasks for this annual outreach effort.

Our Winter Blood Drive will be held on Saturday January 17, from 10AM to 4PM in Hamilton Hall. In this season of giving, please remember those in need of this precious gift, roll up your sleeve, and join us. Please make an appointment by calling Mark Mitchell at (513) 791-0769.

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!!

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.

The St. Vincent Ferrer School 6^th grade class cordially invites all parishioners to attend their musical, “Alice in Wonderland, Jr.” to be held in the community building on Thursday, January 8 at 7 p.m. and Friday, Jan. 9 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m. Admission is free.

Based on the 1951 Disney film “Alice in Wonderland” and the novels “The Adventures of Alice in Wonderland” and “Through the Looking Glass” by Lewis Carroll, this fast moving musical will delight children and adults alike. Join Alice in her madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, meets the Tweedles, raps with the Caterpillar, attends an Unbirthday Party with the Mad Hatter and March Hare and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game.

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!

The SVF MOMS GROUP is starting 2009 by having a "Healthy Start" meeting Wednesday January 7, 2009 at 7pm in Hamilton Hall. We will be taking part in a Jazzercise class given by moms group member Mari Smith. We are all bringing healthy snacks to share along with copies of a healthy recipe to share with the group. There will be discussion on ways to have a healthy 2009, so please come join us. Any questions please contact Heather Leland, dhleland@fuse.net.

The Christmas season is upon us; the summer festival is probably the last thing on your mind! Please consider donating any unwanted or duplicate Christmas gifts to the SVF Bid-n-Buy. We will be collecting donations on Sunday, January 4, 2009 from 11:30 am to 2:30 pm in Hamilton Hall. Thank you for helping us make this year’s Bid-n-Buy a huge success!

With celebrating Christmas, and 2009 coming with special birth dates/anniversaries and the like, we have a nice gift suggestion for you. Remember your loved one (living or deceased) with a Memorial Brick in the SVF Memorial Garden. It is located on the Montgomery Road side of our campus. The gardens have been a spot of beauty cared for by members of our Adopt a Plot ministry. Each brick costs $50 to have engraved with three lines of up to 14 characters (including spaces) per line. Stop in at the Parish Office to order or call Bob or Donna Piening with questions, 791-7449.

Doors open at 11:30 a.m. on Sunday; 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.

Marilyn Naber, Lynette Busch, Dick Naber, Greg Sykes, Maria Barrett, Emily DeLuca, Gail Furthman, Karen Hulefeld, Pauline Toennis.

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 January 4 bulletin was Monday, December 22 at noon.

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!

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

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).

Mass Intentions & Readings

for the Week

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Calendar for the Week

Monday, January 5, 2009

Thursday, January 8, 2009

Friday, January 9, 2009

Sunday, January 11, 2009

The St. Vincent Ferrer Heritage Society

PARISH LIBRARY