A few minutes ago I returned from the Christmas party at Hillcrest, a celebration that was brightened by the many gifts from parishioners. There was music and singing, cake and ice cream, Santa Claus and his helpers, and, of course, presents. You should have seen the joy on the residents’ faces! One family member pulled Deacon John and me aside to tell us how much she appreciated all that our parish does for those who live at Hillcrest. Perhaps you have had a similar experience during these late Advent days, a time when we learn again what St. Francis of Assisi taught us in his prayer, “it is in giving that we receive.” Christian service, generous giving of presence and presents, is an important facet in approaching the mystery of Christmas.

Another angle of approach to the mystery comes through music, sacred and profane. Sadly, some have tired of Christmas music already because it has been playing in stores and on the radio for a long time (shortly after Halloween?). I was visiting with a friend, a former parishioner, who asked if I still don’t include Christmas music at Mass until Christmas Eve; I think you know the answer to that! My hope is that the Advent music, more somber at times, has helped you to keep an attitude of readiness and preparedness. Last weekend you might have noticed the shift from preparing for the Lord’s return at the end of time to focusing more on his birth at Bethlehem. Soon we will break into the Christmas music proper and I hope that each of us has at least one hymn or song that helps us to understand more deeply the mystery of our God becoming one like us.

Central to the Christmas mystery are the Biblical stories leading up to the birth of Jesus, perhaps the surest path to spiritual insight. For Christmas itself, the Church provides a variety of Masses, each with its own readings (pages 43-53 in the Breaking Bread hymnal. Most people only attend one Mass and usually there is a tradition, often well-established and nonnegotiable, about which liturgy to attend. Given that practice, my pastoral approach is to rotate the readings for Christmas each year so that over the course of three years more of the Christmas story is proclaimed and pondered. This year we will be using the readings for the “Mass during the Night” – pages 47-48 in the hymnal. I invite you to read and reflect on any or all of the Biblical options as a way to approach the mystery of the Light shining in the darkness.

These are only a few facets to consider as we move from Advent into Christmas. You can probably think of many more: gatherings with family and friends; the seasonal decorations; the prayers of the liturgy; and maybe the tasty treats that signal the season. My hope is that many of you experience the presence of Christ in our midst as we worship together. After all, we strive to be “one Eucharistic family united on our faith journey: Welcome Home!”

Sincerely in Christ,

Monday, Dec 24 Vigil of Christmas

SJW 4:00pm - †Leonard Schwamberger

HF 5:30pm - †Dr. Anthony Jaspers

SJW 8:30pm - †Joe & Steve Schimek

Tuesday, Dec 25: Nativity of the Lord Christmas

SJW 9:30am - †Neil Andring

Thursday, Dec 27:

HF 8:30am - †Carl Mack

Pathstone 10:15am - Word and Communion

Friday, Dec 28:

SJW 12:05pm - †Wally Loyson

Saturday, Dec 29: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

SJW 5:00pm - †Joyce Rock

Sunday, Dec 30: Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

HF 8:30am - For the Parishioners

SJW 10:30am - †Conrad Hennen

Monday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a,

16; Ps 89:2-5,

27, 29; Lk 1:67-79

Tuesday: Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3,

11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-

14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps

97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7;

Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7

10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6;

Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14]

Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps

31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab,

16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22

Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-

6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8

Friday: 1 Jn 1:5 — 2:2; Ps 124:2-

5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18

Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3,

5b-6; Lk 2:22-35

Sunday: 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps

84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; 1 Jn

3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

Mon. 12/24: Christmas Eve

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Tues. 12/25 Merry Christmas!

PARISH OFFICE CLOSED

Wed. 12/26: 5:30pm NO Simple Supper - SJW

6:00pm NO Faith Formation - SJW

6:30pm NO Faith Formation - HF

7:00pm NO Youth Choir - SJW

Thurs. 12/27: 2:30pm Girls on the Run - SJW GYM

Sat. 12/29: 4:15pm Confessions - SJW

Sun. 12/30: 8:00am Confessions - HF

Dec 15 & 16, 2018

$16,314.85

Fiscal Year to Date

$163,720.13 Actual

$166,954.90 Budget

St. Joseph the Worker

Fiscal Year to Date

$50,780.89 Actual

$50,259.90 Budget

Holy Family Dec 16, 2018

$1,615.71

Congratulations to Tammy Phillips-Krueger

the “301” winner of $100 for Dec 15!

Children’s Weekly Stewardship

Treasure: HF: $4.35 SJW: $44.00

REGULAR WEEKEND MASSES

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 29

SJW—5:00 P.M. MASS Reader: Mary Date Servers: Charlie & Sami Hudrlik ECM: Cookie Oberle, Sheryl Peterson, Joleen Pfau, Lia Price, Mary Jo Synder, Christine & Brian Swanson Ushers: Paul Hinski, Scott Peterson, Grace Rydeen, Kayla Jansen Musicians: Cindy Lawrence, Jeanne Hassing

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 30

HF—8:30 A.M. MASS Reader: Marty Cassem Servers: Nathan Sickler, Kendall Lange ECM: Mary Cassem, Katie Parsons, Dan Jones Ushers: Dennis McCoy, John Sickler Musicians: Jan Osten, Jackie Slama, Jan Anderson SJW—10:30 A.M. MASS Reader: Angie Schuck Servers: Miles & Katelin Flack, Carter James ECM: Val Koch, Barb Wendlandt, Carl Fasnacht, Kevin Doyle, Bill & Judy Feder, 2 SUBS Ushers: Jim Zwaschka, Courtney Braam, Ron Evan, Randy Haley Musicians: Julie & Bob Dickhudt, Tim Wendlandt

SJW: Doorkeeper: Jake Landas

CHRISTMAS MASSES

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

SJW—4:00 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE MASS Reader: Peter Schwamberger Servers: Michael & Gianna Schwamberger, Carter James, Charlie Hudrlik ECM: Shelly Nachreiner, Peg Fallenstein, Janey Fasnacht, Connie Wallin, Chuck & Judy Westermayer, Ron Evan Ushers: Irene Hammerschmidt, Gene Fallenstein, George Fasnacht, Matthew & Kyle Murray, Mark & Beth Greenwood, Ron Evan HF—5:30 P.M. CHRISTMAS EVE MASS Reader: Pat Jones Servers: Logan Quade & Nettie Parsons ECM: Bill & Colin Davis, Nate & Nick Meixell Ushers: Megan Davis & Lori Meixell SJW—8:30 P.M. CHRISTMAS VIGIL MASS Reader: Caroline McGowan Servers: *NEED 3* ECM: Chuck Fox, Tom Hallett, Terri Michels, Carol Brady,

Joyce Wilcox, Cookie Oberle, Julie Freyberg Ushers: Ryan & Dave Hassing, Warren Michels, Al Honermann,

Carol Brady, John Richter, Linda Richter, Bruce Richter

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH SJW—9:30 A.M. CHRISTMAS DAY MASS Reader: Glenn Barnette Servers: *NEED 3* ECM: Donna & Rick Hansen, Jan Willaert, Glenn Barnette, Cindy

Matuska, *NEED 1* Ushers: Al Honermann, Michael & Brayton Matuska,

Jeff & Sean Willaert. Mark Piepho

As you can see we are still in need of some volunteers for

different liturgical ministries. If you are able to help with any of these vacancies please contact

Deacon John at the Parish Office 388-3766 or jrudd@sjwhf.org

THANK YOU FOR

JOINING US!

The St. Joseph the Worker

and Holy Family Staff

Members wish you

and your loved ones a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS!

DATES TO REMEMBER

Wed 26 No Faith Formation -

Merry Christmas

JANUARY 2019 Wed 2 Faith Formation Class: SJW - Simple Supper 5:30pm K-10th grade class - 6pm

HF - No Faith Formation Sat 5 Life Line Mass for all 9th & 10th +++ Sun 6 YOUTH MASS HF at 8:30am, SJW at 10:30am Wed 9 Faith Formation Class: SJW - Simple Supper 5:30pm K-10th grade class - 6pm

HF - K-9th grade class - 6:30pm + 10th grade class - 6pm, at SJW Sat 12 First Reconciliation 2nd graders and their family - HF - 9:00am, SJW 11:00am Wed 16 Faith Formation Class: SJW - Simple Supper 5:30pm K-10th grade class - 6pm

HF - K-9th grade class - 6:30pm + 10th grade class - 6pm, at SJW Wed 23 Faith Formation Class: SJW - Simple Supper 5:30pm K-10th grade class - 6pm + 1st Communion Orientation, 6-7pm

HF - K-9th grade class - 6:30pm, + 1st Communion Orientation, 6:30-7:30pm, 10th grade class - 6pm, at SJW Wed 30 Family Faith Formation Night

HF = Holy Family Catholic Church SJW = St Joseph the Worker Catholic Church,

December 23, 2018

Fourth Sunday of Advent

St. Joseph the Worker & Holy Family

Christmas Eve Pageants

“The Angels’ Christmas Story” Monday, December 24, 2018

Pageant at St. Joseph the Worker - 3:45pm (just before the 4:00pm Christmas Eve Mass)

Pageant at Holy Family - 5:15pm (just before the 5:30pm Christmas Eve Mass)

FIND THE TRUE MEANING OF

CHRISTMAS IN L-O-V-E

Children of all ages enjoy gifts on Christmas

morning, but parents know that there is more

to Christmas than presents. It is a celebration

of hope fulfilled. God promised he would

send us a Savior so we could live in Heaven

with him forever. He sent his own Son. Help

children to experience the true meaning of Christmas by celebrating

with L-O-V-E:

L - Lower your outside activities. More than the gifts you give,

children will cherish the Christmas memories you make. Limit the

number of invitations you accept, and set aside the extra time as

family time.

O - Offer anticipation. Instead of focusing on gifts and lists,

anticipate the Savior’s arrival by lighting the last candle on your

Advent wreath. Decorate your Nativity scene gradually.

V - Visit. In addition to weekend Mass, make tr ips to church so

children can visit Jesus. Take Christmas cards you have received and

pray for the people who sent them.

E - Extend love. An effective way to exper ience love at the

holidays is to give it. Act with love, especially when dealing with

family. Extending patience and kindness during the holiday season

can be a challenge and a true act of love.

“For God so loved the world that he gave his only son …”

(John 3:16).

From St. Joseph the Worker and

Holy Family Faith Formation Connie Wallin & Kathy Moldan

(SJW) Last week:19 lbs. Items

needed this week: Diapers and

Wipes.

Rev. Timothy T. Reker - Pastor

Deacon John Rudd - Pastoral Associate

Nicole Hermer - Director of Parish Activities

Glenn Barnette - Bookkeeper

Connie Wallin - Director of Religious Education

Kathy Moldan - HF Rel. Ed. Coor./Office Asst.

Sister Janet Wermerskirchen - Music Director

Jon Hermanson - SJW Custodial Engineer

Mike Murrain - SJW Custodian

Ben Moldan - HF Custodian

Email bulletin notices to office@sjwhf.org by Tuesday at noon.

Office Phone………...…………………388-3766

Parish Email………………...…office@sjwhf.org

FAX……………………...…….………..388-2101

SJW Prayer Chain……...……...Joan: 388-5986

HF Prayer Chain…………..Margaret: 317-4785

Email: margaretbuss@yahoo.com

Mon-Fri: 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Dennis Owen, Richard Johnson, John Allen, Jerry Schultz, George Larson, Tom B.

Baptism - Please contact Deacon John in the parish office to schedule the baptism and the

baptism preparation class.

Marriage - Congratulations on your engagement! Please contact Fr. Reker at least 6 months in

advance to begin preparation.

Anointing of the Sick - If you or a family member is homebound or in the hospital and would like a

pastoral visit, please notify the office.

Phone: 388-0600, Website: loyolacatholicschool.org

Adam Bemmels PreK-12 Principal

All of us at Loyola wish you a Merry Christmas and a blessed new

year. We are grateful for your faithful support.

Learn about Loyola Catholic School (PS-12). Visit

www.loyolacatholicschool.org

Contact Angela at acasteel@loyolacatholicschool.org or 507.388.0615 to schedule family tours.

Please prayerfully consider a planned gift to Loyola Catholic School when

choosing where to leaving your legacy.

Save the Date!

Jan 28: Catholic Schools Week Mass at 10am, Holy Rosary Parish

Want to volunteer at school? Call us! 388.0600

THANK YOU to all who send us Box Tops for Education, Hy-Vee

receipts, and Milk Moola labels.

Christmas Baskets for area families and donations for Mankato

Birthright were presented and blessed at Mass on Wednesday.

Your parish support makes all we do, learn, and celebrate at Loyola possible.

Leading through Faith, Academic Excellence, and Service.

SJW MEN’S CLUB MISSION STATEMENT:

To bring together men of all ages to grow in relationship with Jesus Christ. With the direction of our Priest, encouraging each

other to be servant leaders in our Church.

2019 BULLETIN ADVERTISERS NEEDED - St. Joseph the Worker and

Holy Family Parish would like to invite your business to advertise in our weekly bulletin for 2019. We print these bulletins in-house which allows us to include more content and color features, while still supporting businesses in our

local community. In addition to displaying your advertisement on the bulletin jacket, we showcase a different business each week under our “Bulletin Brought to You by” section. We also offer “In Loving Memory” ads for those who have passed away. The bulletin would not be possible without our advertisers, so please consider helping your parish in this way. Contact Nicole at 388-3766 or nhermer@sjwhf.org for more information or if you are interested. Current Advertisers: invoices fro 2019 will be going out in January. If you have any changes, please let us know! Thank you!

CATHOLICS AT THE CAPITOL 2019 – St. Paul, MN 2.19.19. Join

Bishop Quinn and 2,000+ other Catholics in St. Paul on Tuesday, February 19

th to learn how you can build relationships with our newly elected officials

and advocate for Catholic Social Teaching principles of Solidarity, Care for Creation, Workers’ Rights, and the Dignity of all our sisters and brothers. Get your tickets, register for transportation (If we get enough folks from the Mankato Deanery, we will board a bus from Mankato to the capitol), and find more details about this inspiring day of prayer, education, and advocacy by visiting www.CatholicsAt TheCapitol.org. Also, check out this link for a video message from Bishop Quinn: https://youtu.be/0ilBb0hRyT4

CHURCH OF ST. JOSEPH THE WORKER & HOLY FAMILY PARISH To advertise, contact Nicole at the parish office

507-388-3766 or nhermer@sjwhf.org

Well Drilling • Septic Systems Portable Toilets

507-625-3400

MIDWEST INSURANCE GROUP

Wendy Kamm

Denise Deike

Barb Schwartz

Tammy Phillips Thomas Deike Jesse Schilling

Brent Friedrichs

Jane Ross-Culhane

Contact the parish office at 388-3766 to promote your business.

www.drummersgardencenter.com 507-388-4877

In Loving Memory of

Husband, Father, Grandfather. We love and miss you,

-Your Family

John Quiring

In Loving Memory of our wife, mother, sister,

and dear friend.

JUDY HOGAN

Anne Poche

We love you and miss you very much.

In Loving Memory of