- Sunday Scripture Readings
- Reflection on the Scriptures has become
more and more a part of basic Christian spirituality. At times
we would like to return to the Sunday Scriptures at home, but
we do not have the missalette with us. At other times we may
be interested in seeing just what came before or immediately
after the reading for the day to gain more insights.
To encourage this encounter with
the Scriptures, we will be including in the bulletin the scripture
reading references for the current Sunday and the following Sunday.
In addition, in our on-line bulletin we will have the actual
links to the readings.
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New
American Bible
Fourth
Sunday in Advent
2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16
Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29
Romans 16:25-27
Luke 1:26-38
Feast
of the Holy Family
Sirach 3:2-6, 12-14 or Genesis 15:1-6; 21:1-3
Psalm 128:1-2, 3, 4-5 or Psalm 105:1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 8-9
Colossians 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or Hebrews 11:8, 11-12, 17-19
Luke 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40 |
- QUESTIONS OF THE
WEEK
- Fourth Sunday
of Advent
-
- We have a hard time trusting.
We question the ability of a pilot to handle a plane in a storm
or the knowledge of the surgeon who will operate on us. How much
more difficult it is to believe in the God we cannot see and
in his love for us!
Adults: What do the words, “Do not be afraid”
say to me this Advent? What fears do I need to turn over to God?
Children: Who is the person I trust the most? What
makes this person trustworthy?
- ADVENT RECONCILIATION
SERVICE
Sunday, December 21, 3:00 pm
at St. Paul’s Church
- 5:15 PM CHRISTMAS EVE
CHOIR final practice
is this Tuesday morning, December 23, from 10-11:00.
SINGERS NEEDED for 10:00 pm Christmas Eve
Mass! Contact Nancy Simmons Beebe, 592-5420, if you would like
to sing in the choir.
BAPTISMS
We welcome with great joy Isabelle Cassandra
Rose and Ebow Appinn, newly-born today
through the waters of Baptism! Isabelle is the daughter of Cherie
D’Mello and Todd Eisworth. Ebow is the son of Alex and Nana
Aba Wilson. Congratulations!
- SYMBOLS OF ADVENT AND
CHRISTMAS
“The Word became Flesh
and made His dwelling among us, and we have seen His glory: The
glory of an only Son coming from the Father, filled with enduring
love.” –John 1:14
Christmas Candle ~~ The Christmas candle is an ancient
tradition. It is usually placed in the center of the Advent Wreath
to complete the removal of darkness and sin by the coming of
Christ.
Window lights ~~ Lights placed inside window sills depict
a beacon to light the way for Mary, Joseph and the coming of
the Christ Child.
Christmas Tree ~~ Christmas trees can be found almost
anywhere, any size. For many people, the Christmas tree is only
a seasonal decoration. To Christians it symbolized the green
of hope at a time of dying, the burning light of Christ at a
time of spiritual darkness, and the fruits of paradise. Its origin
as a Christian symbol may trace to an historical event. When
St. Boniface evangelized the Germanic tribes he chopped down
their sacred oak to prove the impotence of their god. Just as
Patrick used the shamrock as a symbol of the Trinity, Boniface
used the evergreen as a symbol of the eternity of the true God.
Holly ~~ The appearance of holly is representative of
the burning bush of Moses and Mary’s burning love for God.
The red berries and prickly points are symbolic of the crown
of thorns and the bloody death that the Christ Child would eventually
suffer.
Poinsettias are associated with Christmas as the lily is with
Easter. In Mexico, it blooms at Christmastime and is called “the
flower of the Holy Night.” Its name is from the first U.S.
ambassador to Mexico, Dr. Joel Poinsett.
HABITAT
FOR HUMANITY NOTE CARDS: The Faith Build Coalition, Athens
County Habitat for Humanity has restocked its supply of attractive
note cards, and they would be nice stocking stuffers. A dozen
cards, 4 each of 3 attractive designs, for a donation of $15.00.
For more information contact George Bain (592-3828 or gbain45701@yahoo.com).
LITURGY
BITS AND BYTES
Post Communion Prayer
Finally, to conclude the liturgy of the Eucharist,
there is the “post communion prayer.” This prayer gives
thanks to God for God’s gift to us of Jesus Christ in the
Sacrament and prays that this Sacrament may be efficacious in
our lives.
Copyright © 2008
Resource Publications, San Jose, CA
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- “Hail, full of
grace! The Lord is with you.”
- BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES
- December 22 - 28
Birthdays: Sally Biancone,
Belle Cancellare, Natalie Coschigano, Marcia Dalen, Trey Finnearty,
Sue Gallagher, Joke Harnish, Chris Hedderick, Kristie Houser,
John Kroner, Sarah Lent, Kathy Marinelli, Chris Meyer, Jacob
Miller, Charlie Paschold, and Gerry Smith.
Anniversaries: Donna
& John Kroner are celebrating their 50th anniversary
and Amy & Charles Legar are celebrating their 33rd anniversary.
Congratulations!
- PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
Let's be one in hope and prayerful presence
to all on our prayer list and continue to pray for Kathi Hahn,
Donna Hart, Don Dillinger, and Bill Rader. (Remembered
in the petitions)
REST
IN PEACE
This past week parishioner Peggi Seiber
passed away. She was our Wednesday night receptionist and a much-loved
member of our community. We offer our sympathy to Peggi’s
mom and dad: Marguerite and Paul Kostival and to the Kostival/Seiber
families. We also offer our sympathy to Karen Coschigano and
her family. Karen’s dad died this week. May
they and all who have died, rest in the peace of our Lord.
RESPECT
LIFE
The Christmas story chronicling Jesus’
life in the womb of Mary and birth in a stable again draws our
attention to the humanity of the unborn child and God’s
great love and plans for each and every human baby, regardless
of the circumstances of the child’s conception or birth.
A BLESSING
FOR CHRISTMAS GIFTS
Gracious god, Giver of all that is good,
You have created us in your image
To love and be loved.
Bless these gifts, chosen with care
And wrapped with affection;
May they be received with joy.
May our gift giving increase in us
A spirit of generosity
And fill our hearts with gratitude
For the many gifts you give us:
The gift of faith,
The gift of family and friends,
And most of all for the greatest of gifts,
Your Son, our Savior,
Jesus, who is Christ our Lord. Amen
- MINISTRY SCHEDULE: Nancy is working on the ministry
schedule for January-March. Please email her (nsand@ctkathens.org)
or phone the office (592-2711) with dates you are NOT available.
SACRED
HEART RETREAT HOUSE: Plan now to reserve Tuesday, January
6, from 10:00 till 2:00 for a Day of Reflection
at Sacred Heart Retreat House. This will be an Epiphany retreat.
Call 740-667-0100 to make reservations.
ALL ABOARD! - The Fossil Rock Raiders Model
Train and Craft Barn, in Shade, Ohio, invites you and your family
to watch 40 operating trains, of all sizes and gauges, and meet
Santa Himself. The Model Train and Craft Barn, in Shade, will
be open today, Sunday, December 21, from Noon until 5:00
p.m. The event is for the young and the young at heart. Take
old Route 33 to Shade and turn east on County Road 44. The Train
and Craft Barn is at the intersection of Route 44 and Fossil
Rock Road. Just follow the Train Show signs. For additional information
contact Ralph Calvert, (740) 591-1277 or Tad Gallaugher (740)
594-8534. ADMISSION IS FREE
MERRY CHRISTMAS:
Father Marty and the CTK staff wish all of our parish family
a blessed and very happy Christmas and a healthy, happy new year!!
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