... After Hours Emergencies, please call: ... center. ⢠High School Classes
837 Parkview Drive Milton, Wisconsin Parish Web Site Parish E-mail Address
Fr. Dave Timmerman, Pastor After Hours Emergencies, please call: Vicki Kersten, Office Manager Sabrina Elsen, Faith Formation Coordinator Angie McNally, Coordinator of Liturgy and Music Paul Schultz, Administrative Assistant Faith Formation Faith Formation Attendance Line Fax Number
Sat. Dec. 12 Sun. Dec. 13
Mon. Dec. 14 Tues. Dec. 15 Wed. Dec. 16 Thurs. Dec. 17 Fri. Dec. 18 Sat. Dec. 19 Sun. Dec. 20
Third Sunday of Advent December 13, 2015 www.saintmarymilton.org
[email protected]
[email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
868-3338 868-2338 868-3337 868-3334 868-3335 868-3336 868-3336 868-3345
4:00 p.m. (St. Mary) Ralph Hunsader, Irv Snow 5:30 p.m. (St. Joseph) Jim Plautz, St. Joseph & St. Mary Parishes 9:00 a.m. (St. Mary) Monte Williams, Edward & Catherine Windle and Sr. Cathy Windle 10:30 a.m. (St. Joseph) Jeff & Joel Harding 8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 8:00 a.m. 4:00 p.m. 5:30 p.m. 9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
No Mass (St. Mary) Dennis Sitter (St. Mary) Marsha Brenneman (St. Joseph) William Ganser (St. Joseph) Jerry Fernstahl (St. Mary) Jim Wagman (St. Joseph) Vaughn Pratt (St. Mary) St. Mary & St. Joseph Parishes (St. Joseph) Bill Fugate
Ministry
4:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Reader One Reader Two
Val Crofts Rick Elbert
Mary Kay Mullen Lynn Gardinier
Commentator
Pat Mosher
Don Roberts
Musician
Lisa Meyers
Bob Berger
Cantor
Mary Jo Bergs
Gretchen Geist
Servers
Chuck Lilla Katie Lilla
Jaime Scherdin Justin Scherdin Ryan Scherdin Ashley Wagner
Extraordinary Ministers
Dodie Weberpal* Mari Anne Warren Sue Gavigan
Pat Starr* Tom Scherdin Mary Ann Arnold
Ushers
Barbara Anderson Steve Schuh Molly Harris Jonathon Crofts
Milt Wendler Tom Reed Tom Westrick Steve Wagner Bill O'Leary
*Denotes Check-in person
Mon. Dec. 14: Optimists play practice at 5:30 p.m. in Sat./Sun. Dec. 13/14: the center. Camillus Ministry Blood Pressure Interfaith Community Outreach screening in the center after all masses. Commission will meet at 7:00 p.m. in the Ark Library will be open after all masses. Ark. Sun. Dec. 13: Tues. Dec. 15: “Seeds” Ministry at 9:00 a.m. K-6 FF classes at 4:00 p.m. Family Ministry at 10:00 a.m. in the Confessions at 5:00 p.m. center. Wed. Dec. 16: High School Classes at 10:00 a.m. and Staff Meeting at 10:00 a.m. 6:00 p.m. in the lower level. K-6 FF classes at 4:00 p.m. Middle School Classes at 6:00 p.m. in the St. Mary Choir will practice for lower level Christmas at 6:30 p.m. in church. All are Communal Penance at 6:00 p.m. welcome!
Thurs. Dec. 17: Bloodmobile in the center from 1:00 –6:00 p.m. Sat. Dec. 19: RCIA will meet at 6:30 p.m. at Fr. Dave’s. Sun. Dec. 20: St. Mary Choir will sing at 9:00 a.m. in church. “Seeds” Ministry at 9:00 a.m. Decorate church for Christmas after the 9:00 mass.
Collection from last Sunday (December 6, 2015) Weekly Budget Needs 8,750.00 Envelopes 8,905.00 ACH Auto-Debit 2,330.00 Offertory 473.05 Surplus/Deficit 2,958.06 Fiscal Year-To-Date Contributions YTD Budget Needs 201,250.00 YTD Envelopes & ACH 160,521.65 YTD Offertory 10,331.49 Surplus/Deficit (30,396.86) Collection from last year (December 7, 2014) Envelopes 8,932.00 ACH Auto-Debit 2,215.00
LITURGICAL MINISTERS: Please sign up in the gathering space if you are able to help out. The chart shows the areas of need. Assignments will be published next week. It’s not too late to volunteer … call 868-3335.
Christmas Christmas Eve Eve 4:00 pm 4:05 pm (Church) (Center)
1
Commentator
Reader
Christmas Christmas Eve Day 6:00 pm 9:00 am
1
1
1
Server
2
Bread
1
Wine
1
4
Usher
4
6
www.saintmarymilton.org
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This week the Traveling Chalice will be in the home of
Pat Starr Please pray for Vocations
ARK LIBRARY: The Ark Library is open this weekend following all Masses. Join us to browse through the many books and videos that our Ark Library has to offer. BLOOD PRESSURE SCREENING: Camillus Ministry blood pressure screening is held this weekend in the parish center after all Masses. ST. MARY SINGERS: Christmas rehearsal will be Wednesday, December 16 at 6:30 p.m. in church for anyone who would like to sing at the 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass in the sanctuary with the choir. Call Bob at 756-4210 for details. DECORATE CHURCH: Next Sunday, December 20, following 9:00 a.m. mass, we will decorate the church for
Christmas. If you can stay to help, you are most welcome. Many hands make light work.
SENIOR REVIEW: Each month, Rock County Council on Aging publishes a senior magazine to promote living a healthier, smarter and more active life in Rock County. The magazine is full of upcoming events and articles relative to seniors in the area. Pick-up your free copy of the December issue at any of the church entrances today!
Lily’s Column with Fr. Dave: “Not what we give, but what we share, for the gift without the giver is bare; who gives himself with his alms feeds three, Himself, his hungering neighbor and Me.” James Russel Lowell
Stewardship: A Way of Life Third Sunday of Advent “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” Philippians 4:6-7 St. Paul reminds us that our God is an abundant God, the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. When we trust that God will take care of us, it is easier for us to share what we have been given.
God-given dignity.” Please keep these parishioners and family members in your prayers: Josephine Brandes Bob Dibble Dale Harvat Patti Harvat Jim Jenkins Jeff Kneiert Austin Martin Scot Nelson Val Pakes Gayle Reed Kathy Roberts Brett Urban Ed Windle WORD OF LIFE: “Regardless of our circumstances and whether people acknowledge it, nothing and no one can take away our
USCCB 2015-16 Respect Life Program
BLESS OUR PRIESTS COLLECTION ENVELOPES: Remember the retired priests of our diocese by making a gift to the Bless Our Priests collection. This collection is used to directly support all retired priests welfare including the rising cost of healthcare, long-term care and medical costs. Please return your gift in the envelopes available at all Masses this weekend. Your generosity supports retired priests from all 11 counties of our Diocese! Prayer of the Faithful “For the priests who have faithfully served St. Mary, especially those who are experiencing peace and joy in their retirement and those that have passed away to eternal rest in the Kingdom of God … Let us pray to the Lord.”
CHRISTMAS LITURGIES Christmas Eve 4:05 p.m. (Center)
Christmas Day
Saint Mary Milton
4:00 p.m. (Church)
Saint Joseph Edgerton
6:00 p.m.
Nativity of Mary Janesville
4:00 p.m.
6:00 p.m.
St. John Vianney Janesville
4:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Saint Patrick Janesville
4:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
Saint William Janesville
4:00 p.m.
10:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m.
6:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m.
HOLIDAY MAIL FOR HEROS: A huge thank you to all of our parishioners who signed a Christmas card last weekend for our military personnel and veterans. We contributed a total of 391 cards to this great program through the Red Cross. A special thank you to Sabrina and the K-6 students that participated, as well as Mike and Pat Tracey for running this program at St. Mary Parish. Next year we hope to have an even bigger response with involving the entire community, clubs and churches. Isn’t this the very least we can do for our military for the sacrifices they make for our freedom!!
10:00 p.m.
10:00 a.m.
11:00 a.m.
OPENING MASS OF THE JUBILEE OF MERCY: Bishop Morlino will celebrate a Mass to open the Holy Year of Mercy on Sunday, December 13 at 4:00 p.m. Maria Goretti Catholic Church, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison Reception to follow. All people in the diocese are invited to participate in this Mass.
Monday, December 14 Numbers 24:2-7, 15-17a Psalm 25:4bc-5ab, 6, 7bc, 8-9 Matthew 21:23-27 Tuesday, December 15 Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 Psalm 34:2-3, 6-7, 17-18, 19, 23 Matthew 21:28-32 Wednesday, December 16 Isaiah 45:6b-8, 16, 21b-25 Psalm 85:9ab, 10, 11-12, 13-14 Luke 7:18b-23
Thursday, December 17 Genesis 49:2, 8-10 Psalm 72:1-2, 3-4ab, 7-8, 17 Matthew 1:1-17 Friday, December 18 Jeremiah 23:5-8 Psalm 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19 Matthew 1:18-25 Sunday, December 20 Micah 5:1-4a Psalm 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1:39-45
CHANGE IS IN THE AIR: Change of season—liturgical and calendar, cooler weather, a little snow … change can be good! Beginning in January, our weekly parish bulletin will also change as we combine bulletins with St. Joseph, Edgerton. Our bulletin will still be the same size, same shape, and same basic format as you are used to, but it will include all of St. Joseph’s information, too. Stay tuned…. EARLY CHRISTMAS PRESENT FOR PARISHIONERS OF ST. MARY, MILTON: We are very excited to announce that St. Mary, Milton and St. Joseph, Edgerton have joined together and subscribed to a dynamic new online platform called FORMED. Every parishioner will have 24/7 access to the best Catholic content on any device, including your computer, smartphone and tablet with internet access. With FORMED you’ll find video programs that explain the Catholic faith, explore the deepest meaning of marriage, receive Bible studies on a variety of topics and includes inspiring audio talks and books. And you’ll find presenters like Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Edward Sri, Dr. Mary Healey, Chris Stefanick, Dr. Scott Hahn and a lot more. They’re all part of our parish subscription. It truly is the Catholic faith - on demand.
Here’s how easy it is to get FORMED: www.FORMED.org. In the registration box for parishioners type in the parish code 7AH4V4. Set up a username and a password. Now you are all set to use all the great programs on FORMED.org anytime by simply logging in. It is that easy!
CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR ROCK HAVEN RESIDENTS: A reminder that gifts are to be returned to St. Mary by December 13. Please us a gift-bag instead of wrapping paper as some residents have difficulty unwrapping gifts. Thank you again for your generosity! MAGNIFICAT: YEAR OF MERCY COMPANION Another great way to pray and reflect for the entire Year of Mercy (beginning December 8) is to pick-up a copy of the Magnificat: Year of Mercy Companion at any of the church entrances. Those that preordered, your copy is in an envelope in the gathering space. There is no cost for our parishioners for this valuable tool to use throughout the year.
GOD SAID, “GO!” Thank you for telling the story of Jesus for all to hear!! You did a super job as Gods, angels, shepherds, animals, readers, light-keepers, curtain-folders, kings, gifts, goatherds and special helpers!! As we continue to prepare for the celebration of Jesus' birth, remember the Christmas story. When you're opening your presents on Christmas morning, think of the gifts Jesus received and the gift of faith He has given us! See you this week!!
www.saintmarymilton.org
BLOODMOBILE VOLUNTEERS: The Bloodmobile will be here on Thursday, December 17 from 1:00-6:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed to bring snacks, run the registration table and run the canteen. Go to the parish website to sign-up now! Questions? Call Vicki at 868-3337.
Finance Council
The Finance Council oversees all matters pertaining to the finances of the parish community, including: The development of the annual operating budget; Reviewing on a monthly basis the balance sheet and profit/loss statement; Tracking all parish investments, including the Parish Endowment Fund; Reviewing and approving all major expenditures, when not included in the operating budget; Serving as the finance Committee for the Harvest Festival and the Taste of
Special THANK YOU to parishioners Gail & John Nordlof for the donation of altar wine. Northleaf Winery, LLC 232 S Janesville St Milton Wisconsin 53563 608-580-0575 fax 608-580-0576 www.northleafwinery.com
[email protected]
Milton July 4 Celebration Food Booth; Serving as the parish Personnel Committee.
Meetings Meetings are held on the second Wednesday evening of each month beginning at 7:00 p.m. Meetings are chaired by the Pastor and minutes recorded by the Business Administrator. Current Members: Barry Brandt, Lynn Gardinier, Kathy Ostrowski, Gail Slepekis, Sandy Sokn, Katie Stumpf, Lori Warren.
of the Lord — when those three kings reach the destination of their gift-bearing journey. Christmas songs, therefore, are usually joyful because they celebrate Christ's birth.
I have been known to play Blackhawk’s “We Three Kings (Star of Wonder)” in the middle of the summer. Not just because I love the country band’s tight harmony but also because I’m totally burned out by Christmas music at this most wonderful time of the year. And, really, the events surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ are relevant any ol’ time, aren’t they? While forming a collection of holiday favorites I had zero awareness of any distinction between music that lyrically anticipated the Savior’s birth and those that celebrated it after the fact. I had no clue that “Joy to the World” doesn’t really make sense any time before Christmas Day. Advent and Christmas are two separate seasons on the liturgical calendar. Advent is four weeks of hope and of longing. It is peaceful preparation as we wait for Christmas and also a time of waiting for when Christ will come again. Advent songs, therefore, are usually penitential and expectant in nature because they anticipate Christmas. The twelve days of the Christmas season actually begin on Christmas Eve and end festively on January 6th — the Epiphany
Secular music, like “Silver Bells” have a sense of Advent (“soon it will be Christmas day”) but there is a whole range of hymns that highlight the theme of expectation. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” is certainly the most popular, but there is also “Maria Walks amid the Thorn,” a German mediaeval carol which also encompasses the Old Testament prophecy about a future Messiah and the joy in its fulfillment with the birth of Jesus of Nazareth. “Ave Maria” would also be an appropriate choice since the text is the “Hail Mary” prayer in Latin which is based on the announcement of the birth of Jesus. The same topic is featured in “Gabriel’s Message” (a.k.a. “The Angel Gabriel from Heaven Came”) which really encapsulates the idea of Advent as a time of solemn reflection in preparation for the Messiah and praising God in that anticipation. Others to add to your Advent playlist worth checking out are “Come Thou Long Expected Jesus,” “Creator of the Stars of Night,” “People, Look East” and “O Come Divine Messiah.” With chestnuts roasting on an open fire and kids jingle-belling it can be hard to recognize the difference between anticipation and celebration.
— Paul Schultz
Hour of Eucharistic Adoration in the morning and evening as well as the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass. Outside of this structured prayer time, the Sisters are “spiritual mothers” in surrounding parishes, in whatever capacity they are needed. Their charism is to live in imitation of Mary and when pondering how they can aid they ask themselves, “What does a mom do in a family?” A person can speak to the Lord in prayer, research different vocation possibilities, and contemplate what it might be like to live the consecrated life, but the only way to really know is to try it out for yourself. That is why many religious communities offer “come-and-see” retreats where some -one interested in exploring a potential call from God to consecrated service can actually participate in the daily routine of a group of Brothers or Sisters for a limited time. That is the case with the Handmaids of the Heart of Jesus, a r elatively new community of women located about a hundred miles southwest of Minneapolis, Minnesota. They had such a retreat in October where eleven young Catholic women experienced religious life firsthand for a couple of days. They joined the Sisters in prayer, ate meals together, and enjoyed recreation. The normal community schedule is maintained, which consists of rising at 4:50 a.m. then taking part in the Liturgy of the Hours, the official prayer of the Church offered at various times of the day in order to sanctify it. Each day contains a Holy
In addition, participants will hear a series of talks about religious life in general, the distinctive spiritual gifts utilized by the Handmaids, and practical tips for discernment. The overall point of the retreat is to provide an opportunity to be with Jesus and to receive His love. To investigate more, check out their website. Another retreat is coming up in January so if you think you might be interested in exploring a call to the consecrated life, e-mail or call them right away. They will send you a form to fill out (to make sure you qualify: for example, you must have a four-year degree before joining and be debt-free). For those that do go on a “come-and-see” retreat there may be follow-up conversations and a possible invitation to return for a week or two if there is an attraction to their way of life. Often this will be a time when God’s intentions for your life become clearer. “For each one of us, there is only one thing necessary: to fulfill our own destiny, according to God’s will, to be what God wants us to be.” —Thomas Merton
837 Parkview Dr. Milton, WI 53563 608-868-3338
