2015-11-29 - St. Cecilia Catholic Community

November 29, 2015—1st Sunday of Advent
Saint Cecilia
Catholic Church
2900 Hoover Avenue ●
Fr. James L Secora, Pastor
Ames, IA 50010
www.stceciliaparish.org
FORMED by the Word of God …
UNITED by the Holy Eucharist …
ENLIVENED by the Holy Spirit!
Immaculate Conception
of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Holy Day Mass
Communal Reconciliation Services
Thursday, December 3, 7PM at St. Thomas Aquinas
Sunday, December 6, 2PM at St. Cecilia
Tuesday, December 15, 7PM at Sts. Peter & Paul
Wednesday, December 16, 7PM at St. Thomas Aquinas
Thursday, December 17, 7PM at St. Cecilia
Individual Reconciliation Times
Saturdays: December 5, 12 & 19, 3:15-4:30PM
Wednesday, December 16, 5:30-7:00PM
Friday, December 18, 11AM-Noon
Tuesday, December 22, 5-6PM
If at all possible, please participate in one of the area
Communal Celebrations. There will be sufficient priests so
the time commitment should not be burdensome.
Tuesday, December 8, 7AM, 9AM & 7PM
Christmas Masses
Thursday, December 24: 4:00PM (Family Liturgy),
6:30PM &10:00PM (caroling beginning
at 9:30)
Fr. James
L. Secora,
(Incense will be used at the 10:00PM Mass)
Pastor
Christmas Day Masses
www.stceciliaparish.org
Friday, December 25: 10:00AM
Holy Mary, Mother of God
2900
Holy Day Masses
Hoover
Thursday, December 31, 5:00PM A v e n u e ●
Friday, January 1, 10:00AM
Ames, IA 50010
ICON OF ST. CECILIA
On behalf of the parish I express our collective thanks to Emil and Mary Kay Polashek for their generosity in loaning to us an icon
of St. Cecilia which is located in the vestibule of the church over the 1972 cornerstone marking the construction of the present
church and next to the shelf holding the first class relic of St. Cecilia and the picture of Saint Cecilia’s tomb in the Catacombs of
St. Calixtus in Rome. The former bas-relief image of St. Cecilia has been moved to the education center for display. The icon was presented
to the parish last Sun., Nov. 22, on the feast of St. Cecilia and also the anniversary of the death of Mary Kay’s Father in 2005 and of her
mother’s funeral in 2011.
This original icon was written by a monk of St. Isaac of Syria Skete located outside of Boscobel, Wisconsin. St. Isaac’s is a Russian
Orthodox monastery of men and women.
Like all icons, this icon “tells a story”. In traditional church usage icons were the counterpart to the Scriptures in revealing the person and
work of God. What the Scripture is for the ears, the icon is for the eyes. Originating in the earliest centuries of the Christian faith, icons
later gave way to more ‘realistic’ depictions of God, the mysteries of the faith, and saints as art evolved to employing three-dimensional
techniques employing depth and shadow over the icon’s two dimensional traditional form.
Our icon is a memorial to Mary Kay Polashek’s mother, Anita Pershern (October 14,1934—November 9,2011). Anita was a wife and mother. She
also held a PhD in Food Science from the University of Minnesota. Her dissertation was on common hazelnut, a species unique to the Midwest of
our country. In addition to her academic degree, Anita was also a church organist and piano teacher for over 50 years.
In the icon we see St. Cecilia the traditional patron of the arts, especially of poets and musicians. In her hand she holds a branch containing
nuts from a hazelnut bush. In the background we see a mature hazelnut bush. In this, Anita’s work both in food science and her musical
abilities are both present.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Faith Formation Class Times
Sundays: 9:00-10:15AM
Mondays: 6:15-7:30PM
Children's Liturgy of the Word
Children’s Liturgy of the Word is offered for children
4yrs old- 2nd grade during 10:30 mass this year.
If you have any questions contact June Burns,
runningbug33@gmail.com or 515-509-0692.
MIDDLE SCHOOL
Monday Classes: 7:15-8:30PM
Wednesday Classes: 7:15-8:30PM
HIGH SCHOOL
Life Teen, Sundays from 7-9PM
November 29- Agape
December 6- It is better for you that I go
December 13- Armor & Angels
December20- Life Teen Christmas Party
YDisciple
YDisciple is Wednesdays from 7:15-8:45PM
No YDisciple November 25th or December 2nd
EDGE
December 6, 7-9PM
RITE OF CHRISTIAN INITIATION OF ADULTS
BAPTISM
BAPTISM PREPARATION
All parents seeking baptism for their child are expected to
attend a preparation session.
Parents are recommended to attend a session prior to the birth of
their child.
Baptism Preparation I for first born child –
Next session: Thur., December 17 at 6:15PM
Baptism Preparation II for second/later child –
Next session: Thur., January 28, at 7:00PM
Please call the parish office at 233-3092 for reservation.
Godparents are also expected to attend.
All sessions take place in the St. Louis Room
2 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church
Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults (RCIA)
Jesus invited those who asked him about himself to “Come and
See.” Do you know anyone who might be interested in learning
more about the Church? Invite them to “Come and See.”
And, in case you are not aware, the RCIA process receives
interested persons at any time during the year. So, if you are an
adult, or know of an adult or child over the age of 7 years
interested in becoming a Catholic and celebrating the sacraments
of Baptism or Confirmation and First Communion, please contact
us at RCIA@stceciliaparish.org
•WELCOME•
TO OUR GUESTS
We hope that God will grant you peace and rest while you are
under our roof today.
May this church be your “second” home.
May those you love be near you in thought and prayer.
Even though we may not get to know you,
We pray that you will be comfortable and happy as if you were in
your own church home.
May whatever need brought you our way find a hearing by God.
When you leave, may your journey be safe.
What Advent Means
to Me….
from fourth graders
Avery – Advent means a lot to me.
You might think that it was just made
as a holiday but it was made because
that is the time of year when Jesus
was born. So we rejoice by making a
holiday where we get to light candles
each week for four weeks. On the fifth
week it’s Christmas. That stands for
Christ Mass, and we get presents as
Jesus was a present from God.
Kenyang – Advent is a time of year
when Christ is born. Some people
forget about Christ, but not me. When
I think about Christmas, I think about
Christ.
Breanna – Advent is a time to prepare
in the church. We are preparing for
Christmas, so we light candles. Three are
purple and one is pink. All four candles
are set on a big wreath. There are four
candles so that means there are four
weeks of Advent. We also spend time
with family which is important. I love
Advent. It is my favorite time of year!
School Events
Mon. 11/30: 8:45AM Advent Assembly in M/P Room –
All are Welcome! & 6:30PM Marketing Meeting in Sun Room
Tues. 12/1: 7PM CSB Meeting
Wed. 12/2: 9AM All School Mass
Thurs. 12/3: 6-8:30PM Math Night
We pray you God’s peace.
STEWARDSHIP: “Be on guard,” Jesus warns in today’s
Gospel, “lest your spirits become bloated with indulgence.” Let
us heed His warning and follow the advice of St. Paul,
conducting ourselves in a way pleasing to God, overflowing with
love for one another.
STEWARDSHIP MOMENT
On this first Sunday of Advent, Jesus warns his disciples about the
end-time. He urges them to pray, be vigilant, spiritually awake,
avoid self-indulgence, spiritual malaise, and a preoccupation with
anxiety. Jesus advises against a lifestyle of earthly pleasures and
worry. These will not matter when the Lord asks for an account of
our stewardship. Stewards realize their lives are not just about the
here and now. They know themselves to be reflections of God’s
active presence in the world and witnesses of the Lord’s promises.
As we begin this season of hope, let us reflect on the practical effect of having every waking moment in our lives dedicated to the
Lord.
Grateful Sharing-Joyful Living
Thank you to all who completed and submitted your Commitment
Card to the church. Remember, the campaign goal is 100%
participation so it is important that every household complete a
Commitment Card before the end of November. We will be
mailing out a campaign Summary Report and we need all
commitments accounted for in the report. If needed, additional
Commitment Cards are available at the rear of the church. We
also encourage all parishioners to consider the electronic giving
method offered on our website, and to use it for your regular
offertory gifts. If you have any questions, please contact the parish
office.
Support elderly religious. A parishioner writes, “As a Catholic
school student from grades K-12, I was formed to be the person I
am by many religious brothers and sisters, and I am forever
grateful.” Show your appreciation for the senior Catholic sisters,
brothers and religious order priests who made a positive difference
in so many lives. Please give generously to next week’s collection
for the Retirement Fund for Religious.
November 29, 2015— First Sunday of Advent
Readings for the Week of November 29, 2015
Saturday, November 28
5:00PM: Mark Wessman †
Sunday, November 29
8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia
10:30AM: Ed Fawkes †
5:00PM: Eileen Born†
Misa en Español
Tuesday, December 1
8:00AM: Linus Putz †
Wednesday, December 2
9:00AM: All-School Mass
Thursday, December 3
Sunday: Jer 33:14-16/Ps 25:4-5, 8-10, 14/1 Thes 3:12--4:2/Lk
21:25-28, 34-36
Monday: Rom 10:9-18/Ps 19:8-11/Mt 4:18-22
Tuesday: Is 11:1-10/Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17/Lk 10:21-24
Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a/Ps 23:1-6/Mt 15:29-37
Thursday: Is 26:1-6/Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27/Mt 7:21, 24-27
Friday: Is 29:17-24/Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14/Mt 9:27-31
Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26/Ps 147:1-6/Mt 9:35--10:1, 5a, 6-8
Next Sunday: Bar 5:1-9/Ps 126:1-6/Phil 1:4-6, 8-11/Lk 3:1-6
Observances for the Week of November 29, 2015
Sunday: 1st Sunday of Advent
Monday: Andrew, Apostle
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday: Francis Xavier, Priest
Friday: John Damascene, Priest and Doctor of the Church
Saturday:
Next Sunday: 2nd Sunday of Advent
©Liturgical Publications Inc.
8:00AM: Shirley Reece †
Friday, December 4
8:00AM: Glen Fruen †
Saturday, December 5
5:00PM: Anna Maria Sfaciotti Per †
Sunday, December 6
8:30AM: Parishioners of St. Cecilia
10:30AM: Althea Palmer †
5:00PM: Youth of St. Cecilia & St. Thomas
Misa en Español
St. Thomas Aquinas Mass Times
Weekend Masses
4:45PM Saturday
8:30AM & 10:30AM & 7PM Sunday
Weekday Mass
12:00 Noon Monday-Friday
9:15PM Thursday (TNL)
Sts. Peter & Paul Mass Time
8:30AM Sunday in Gilbert
MASS SCHEDULE
Weekend: Saturday 5PM; Sunday 8:30AM, 10:30AM
& 5PM (Misa en Español)
Weekday: Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 8AM (Chapel)
Wednesday 8AM (Chapel in Summer)
Wednesday 9AM All School Mass (Church During School Year)
CATECHISM OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
To view the Catholic Catechism this week go to
www.usccb.org/catechism/text/
UPCOMING DEADLINES
December 13 bulletin announcements
due by Friday, December 4
December 20/27 bulletin announcements
due by Wednesday, December 9
(This is one combined bulletin for both
December 20 and December 27)
January 3 bulletin announcements
due by Monday, December 21
Bulletin announcements are due by noon on the due date.
STEPHEN MINISTRY
St Cecilia Choir practices at 9AM on Saturday
mornings in room 530 in the Education Center.
We are currently preparing for the Advent Season
and the 10PM Christmas Eve Liturgy. New
singers are welcome. For more information,
please contact bhauser@stceciliaparish.org.
4 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church
In John15:12, Jesus says, "This is my commandment, that you love
one another as I have loved you." Loving and caring for one
another is not just the pastor's job - it's something Jesus calls us all
to do! Stephen Ministry is a ministry in which people with special
gifts for caring can put those gifts to use in an organized way,
bringing Jesus' love and care to those who most need it.
Please Contact Deacon Alan at 515-231-8099.
MEETINGS
The Days for Girls Sewing Team will meet Tues., Dec. 1 at
7PM in the South Social Hall. (Note the change in date and
location for Dec. only.) Please bring your sewing machines, rulers,
and scissors. New members are always welcome!
Catholic Daughters of the Americas will meet in the South
Social Hall for dessert on Thur., Dec. 10 at 6PM followed by a
program on “Posada.” Edwardo Garcia, organizer of our local
Posada, will describe the Posada custom of many Latin American
countries and its growing popularity here. Visitors are very
welcome. Please RSVP to Marilyn Krocheski at 292-9207. There
will be a short business meeting afterward.
STO: This holiday season, give the gift of a Catholic education.
The Our Faith School Tuition Organization (STO) exists solely to
make Catholic education more affordable for every child. As an
Iowa taxpayer, you can help families with demonstrated financial
need through a contribution to the STO. In return, you receive an
Iowa tax credit equal to 65% of your donation. The amount you
contribute also qualifies as a charitable tax deduction on your
federal tax return. Visit www.OurFaithsto.org or call 800-876-3546
ext. 289 or 307 to learn more.
Marriage Enrichment - "Date Night"
Holy Hour for Marriage
All adults from the area are invited to join us for a special evening
which includes Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on Dec. 5.
Please gather for dinner at 6:15PM in the Social Hall, followed by
Holy Hour in the Church at 7PM, concluding by 8:45PM. We
will provide a meal for the children.
Please RSVP for the meal and/or childcare by contacting Deacon
Ron and Mary Smith at DeaconRon.Ames@gmail.com or
515-441-0480 by Dec. 5. Consider inviting other adults to enjoy
the evening with you!
COMMUNITY
Have you considered becoming a Deacon?
Jesus said, "Come and see." (Jn 1:39) The Office of the Permanent
Diaconate is seeking married or single men interested in becoming
a Permanent Deacon. The call to the diaconate is a call to a
vocation. It requires prayer, commitment, and dedication.
Interested men between the ages of 32 and 58, and their wives if
married, are invited to attend an "Information Meeting" on Tues.,
Dec. 1 at St. Henry Parish, Marshalltown at 7PM in the dining
room. For more information, please contact Deacon Tom Lang at
1-800-876-3546 ext. 252.
EVENTS
Plan to participate in this year’s Christmas Family Liturgy
on Thur., Dec. 24 at 4PM. There are many roles to be filled in the
play, liturgy, and music. Once again, we hope to have many families
(adults-teens-children) involved. Sign-up will take place on-line on
the parish website where a web link will be provided in the 'Latest
News' section. Any questions, contact Bob Hauser at
bhauser@stceciliaparish.org
Giving Tree gift tags may be picked up this weekend
in the Narthex. Over 500 gifts are needed for
members of our community this holiday season.
Please return your wrapped gift with the tag
attached to the boxes in the Narthex during
weekend masses, no later than NOON ON SUN., DEC. 13, so the
organizations can pick them up in time for distribution at their
holiday parties. FOR SECURITY REASONS, PLEASE DO NOT
LEAVE YOUR GIFTS DURING UNATTENDED TIMES.
New Member Registration Weekend December 5 & 6
Are you new to St. Cecilia’s, moving back, just married, attending
Mass but never officially registered? Formally registering is a
declaration of your desire to become a part of the life of St.
Cecilia’s Catholic community. Being registered makes the process
much easier when it is time for infant baptism, school or religious
education registration, weddings, being a baptismal or
confirmation sponsor, and even funerals. Registered parishioners
receive all parish mailings and information. If you have not
officially registered at St. Cecilia’s, stop by the new member
registration table after Mass Dec. 5 & 6. We can answer your
questions and help you with the registration process.
SCRIP has a new retailer---JAX! They are offering a 10% rebate
and we will have a limited supply of $10 and $25 cards on hand to
sell after the masses. We look forward to seeing you at our table.
COMMUNITY
Alternative Gift Market: If you missed us at our Christmas
Market last week, we will be at Wheatsfield Coop, Sat., Dec. 5 and
Sat., Dec. 12, 10AM to 4PM both days. After the 12th, you can call
or email Cynthia Shriver (292-6584, shriverc@gmail.com) or Julie
Haas (232-7138, julieann.m.haas@gmail.com) to order. We can set
up a time to meet at the church or meet at a location convenient
for you. Shopping lists for Alternative Gifts are available on the
Social Justice bulletin board in the vestibule.
PASTORAL COUNCIL
FINANCE COUNCIL
Meets 4th Tues. of each month at 7PM in the North Social Hall
Meets 3rd Tues. of each month at 7PM in the Sun Room
Ric Nelson, Chair 382-2024
Mark Moore, Chair 337-1551
FAITH FORMATION COMMISSION
CATHOLIC SCHOOL BOARD
Meets 2nd Tues. of each month at 7PM in the St. Louis Room
Meets 1st Tues. of each month at 7PM in the St. Louis Room
Tina Colburn, Chair 509-1827
Jason O’Brien, President 233-6479
November 29, 2015– First Sunday of Advent
Prayer opportunities held in the Chapel
Scripture Rosary…………………………………...Monday 7:00AM
Intercessory Prayer Group ................... Sunday 8:00-9:00PM
Rosary ... ..Monday 7:30PM*, Tuesday-Friday before 8:00AM
Mass (*The rosary is said for Pro-life the first Mon. of each month.)
Christians in the Spirit ....................... .Tuesday 7:15-9:00PM
Chaplet of Divine Mercy…………………………...Friday 3:00PM
Liturgy of the Hours……………………………..Saturday 7:00AM
Women's Rosary…………………………………….Tuesday 9:00PM
For Peace and Health in our world
Eucharistic Adoration ....... The chapel is open daily, keypad
access only between 10:00PM & 6:00AM.
**Contact the Parish Office at 233-3092 to have your
information forwarded to the Coordinators to schedule a
weekly holy hour.
PRAYER CHAIN
Call requests to Marge Sutter at 233-2622.
Homebound Ministry
If someone is unable to get to mass, please contact the parish
office at 233-3092 to be added to the list to be visited.
Like us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/stcames
I AM INTERESTED IN BECOMING A
MEMBER OF SAINT CECILIA PARISH
RECONCILIATION
Saturday 3:15-4:30PM and by appointment.
PARISH OFFICE
Hours................................... Mon.-Thur. 8:30AM-4PM
Fri. 8:30AM-2:30PM
Phone .................................. (515) 233-3092
Fax Number…………………….(515) 233-6423
Priest Residence .................. (515) 233-9477
St. Cecilia Website…………..stceciliaparish.org
PARISH STAFF
Pastor………………………….......Father James Secora
jsecora@stceciliaparish.org
Pastoral Associate ............... Jo Anne Dalhoff
jdalhoff@stceciliaparish.org
Deacons............................... Gary Aitchison, Mark Bortle,
Alan Christy, John McCully & Ron Smith
Director of Music & Liturgy...Robert Hauser
bhauser@stceciliaparish.org
Business Manager……………..Char VanKerckvoorde
cvankerck@stceciliaparish.org
Administrative Assistant.... Mary Sue Derks
msderks@stceciliaparish.org
Administrative Assistant.... Dawn Cowles
dcowles@stceciliaparish.org
FAITH FORMATION
Phone .................................. (515) 232-3514
Fax ....................................... (515) 232-2875
Name and Address the way you would like it to appear.
Name:
____________________________________________
Address:
____________________________________________
City:
____________________________________________
Zip:
____________________________________________
Phone:
____________________________________________
Director of Youth Ministry…..Anna Steele
asteele@stceciliaparish.org
Coordinator of Middle School Youth Ministry...Ricardo Garcia
rgarcia@stceciliaparish.org
Administrative Assistant.... Abby Hanson
ahanson@stceciliaparish.org
SCHOOL
Phone .................................. (515) 232-5290
Fax ....................................... (515) 232-2875
Principal ............................. Ervin Rowlands
erowlands@stceciliaschoolames.org
Administrative Assistant.... Lois Vidimos
lvidimos@stceciliaschoolames.org
Email:
____________________________________________
Please return via mail or drop in collection basket.
Someone will contact you. You will receive a registration
packet with additional information.
Welcome to Saint Cecilia Parish.
6 | Welcome to St. Cecilia Catholic Church
The Gabriel Project is a crisis pregnancy assistance
program. Call 450-6473 for assistance.
Birthright offers free pregnancy tests and assistance.
Confidential. 108 Hayward Ave. 292-8414
www.birthright.org