- QUESTIONS OF THE
WEEK
- First Sunday
of Advent
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- The signs of the Lord’s
return are both joyful and fearful. The joy flows from the realization
that the final victory of God is at hand. The fear results from
the truth that each one of us will have to explain how our lives
have either hastened or hindered Jesus’ coming.
- Adults: What one habit do I possess which
disrupts the harmony of my family? How can I change it?
Children: Can I remember one way I have hurt a
friend? Am I willing to say that I am sorry?
- BLESSING FOR AN ADVENT WREATH
Blessed are you, our God, Creator of myriad stars that twinkle
in the dark of Advent nights and the blaze of color that heralds
the dawn of Advent days.
Blessed are you who have given us this evergreen crown to adorn
with glowing candles.
As we watch and pray around this Advent wreath, set our souls
ablaze with the justice announced by your prophets. Fill our
hearts with the fire of love kindled by the coming of the world’s
true Light, Jesus who is Lord for ever and ever. +Amen.
- YOUTH GROUP HAPPENINGS
Our parish Youth
Group is organizing a trip, with the help of generous sponsors,
to the March for Life in Washington, D.C. January 21-22, 2010.
Space is limited to the first 50 people. $25.00 holds your seat
and includes a t-shirt and $15.00 towards your meals. Reservations
are due no later than December 31. A check (to St. Paul/Christ
the King) and/or cash in a sealed envelope with your name and
contact information, can be dropped off at the parish center.
For more information contact our youth minister, Kate Kahler
at 592-2711.
PEACE & JUSTICE MINISTRY -- Come join the Peace and
Justice Committee as we “Rethink Afghanistan”
on Monday, November 30, from 7-9 PM in the CTK
Parish Center. This informative documentary addresses many aspects
of the conflict. Popcorn and drinks will be served, and a discussion
will follow the 75 minute video.
Advent Experience
for Adults -- What does it mean to be Advent people, “waiting
in silence, waiting in hope.” All adults are invited to
the activity “Entering Advent Through Poetry and Song”
to discuss and experience this reality. It will be offered in
the parish center at two times: Thursday, December 3,
7-9 PM and Saturday, December 5, 1-4 PM
(extended time for prayer). You are still welcome to come even
if you cannot be there for the whole time. Contact Greg (593-1561,
kremer@ohio.edu) with questions.
ST. FRANCIS
SOCIETY will celebrate the season with our annual Christmas
dinner at Christ the King Sunday, December 6, at 5:00
PM. Following dinner, a Christmas music program will be presented.
Sign up on the sheet on the PC bulletin board.
LITURGY
BITS AND BYTES
Advent Wreath
The Advent wreath,
like many of our customs at Christmas traces its origin to pre-Christian
times when candles were lit during the winter to the “sun-god”
asking for light. It was the Lutherans who started the Advent
wreath as a Christian custom. The word “advent” comes
from the Latin term for arrival or “coming.” It is
the season when we await the coming of the Lord in time and at
the end of time.
The Advent wreath usually has four candles,
three purple and one pink to match the color of the vestments of the week.
The candles are lit on the Sundays of Advent. The first candle,
called the Prophets’
Candle, is lit on the first Sunday
of Advent, then the second candle, called the Bethlehem Candle, is lit on the second Sunday along with the first.
On the third Sunday of Advent a pink candle, called the Shepherds’ Candle, is lit representing “Rejoice” Sunday,
and then the fourth candle, called the Angels’ Candle,
is lit on the last Sunday of Advent. Sometimes a white candle
is placed in the center of the wreath and is called the Christ
candle. Sometimes the flame from that candle is used
to light the others. In some parishes, the white candle remains
unlit until Christmas Eve.
A different explanation of the meaning of the
candles can sound like the greetings we use in our Christmas
cards. This explanation says that the candles represent “hope,”
“love,” “joy,” and “peace.” For
this reason the wreath can also be used during the Christmas
celebrations but with candles that are all white.
Copyright 2009 Resource Publications,
San Jose, Ca
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- “. . . Be vigilant
at all times and pray. . . “
Birthdays & Anniversaries:
November 30 - December 6
Adam Bray, Clarence
Caldwell, Jessica Caldwell, Cheska Dial, Joe Fabiny, Allen Glassmire,
Melanie Gregory, Janet Hogan, Nancy Jackson, Mike McCleary, Katie
Moran, Ralph Moran, Vinnie Rider, Chris Simpson and Cynthia Tindongan.
Anniversaries: Congratulations to Michele Papai
and David Drabold who are celebrating their 17th
anniversary this week!
- PRAYERS FOR THE SICK -
Please pray for Parker
Moden, Kathi Hahn, Mary Ann Gorman and Bill Rader. (Remembered in the petitions)
CCHD -- Thank you for your support
of last weekend’s Collection for the Catholic Campaign for
Human Development! Because of your generosity, more low-income
people in the United States will be able to break the cycle of
poverty and improve their communities. Check the website www.usccb.org/cchd for
more information.
**Linen Care sub needed for
week of December 14; please call the office if you can help.
CHILDREN’S
CHRISTMAS MASS -- Choir practice will take place on Fridays,
December 4, 11, 18, and Wednesday, December 23, from
6:00-7:15 PM. Children wishing to sing at the 5:15 Mass
must attend two practices. Contact Nancy Sand, 592-2711, for
more information.
THE GIVING TREE PROJECT
-- Please visit the Giving Tree in the Gathering
Space. Along with St. Paul’s Parish we will be providing
gifts for 150 area children and food for 60 families in need
this year. The world economic crisis has affected us all, but
the impact has been felt most of all by the poor. Please take
the opportunity this Christmas to extend your love of Christ
to one of His children. Choose a gift recipient from the gift
request tags on the tree. Be certain to drop off your gifts and
food baskets at the Parish Center TV Room no later than Sunday,
December 13.
SCRAP METAL DRIVE RESULTS -- The Faith
Build Coalition, Athens County Habitat for Humanity made just
over $450 from its recent scrap metal drive. We
should hold another drive late next spring. Thanks to all those
who dropped stuff off that day.
ST. VINCENT
DE PAUL SOCIETY regular monthly meeting is Wednesday,
December 2, at 7:00 PM in the CTK Parish Center.
PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA!
-- Inside The Market on State on Wednesday,
December 9, 4-8 PM; $10 donation minimum. All pets
must be current on their vaccinations. All pets must be leashed
or contained in an appropriate carrier. All proceeds benefit
the Athens County Humane Society www.athenshumane.petfinder.com
CHRISTMAS
BAZAAR AND BAKE SALE AT ST. PAUL’S next Saturday,
December 5, 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM in the church basement.
There will be a chili lunch, lots of homemade baked goods, crafts,
and many other items. Win a golf certificate, a Middleton doll,
Visio flat screen TV, diner at your favorite restaurant, an I
Pod or one of many other great prizes. The proceeds help support
many activities, parish events, and local charities.
MARRIAGE
PREPARATION - Couples planning marriage in the next year
in the Catholic Church must attend marriage preparation. CTK’s
sessions are scheduled for Friday, January 29, and Friday
and Saturday, March 5 and 6. Please call the parish office,
592-2711, to make an appointment to fill out registration paperwork.
ADVENT/CHRISTMAS
SCHEDULES
Immaculate Conception
- Tuesday, December 8, 5:15
PM
Advent Reconciliation Service
- Sunday, December 20, 3:00
PM
- @ St. Paul’s Church
Christmas Eve
Children’s Mass @ 5:15 PM
Readings & Carols @ 9:15 PM
Mass @ 10:00 PM
Christmas Day
Mass @ 10:00 AM
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