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616 Reading RoadMason, Ohio 45040

Parish Office HoursMonday - Friday: 8:30am - 4:30pm (Closed daily from Noon-1:00pm)

Phone: 513-398-3821Parish Office: ext. 3100School Office: ext. 3108After Hours Emergency: ext. 3200Fax: 513-398-2254

Bulletin DeadlineThe deadline for all articles for the Sunday bulletin is Friday afternoon, (9) days before the article appears in the bulletin. Please send items, along with the dates they should run, to bulletin@stsusanna.org for submission.

REFLECTING WITH THE PAROCHIAL VICAR

DECEMBER 16, 2018THE THIRD SUNDAY IN ADVENT

PEEK OF JOYWhen I was in grade school, we did a lesson in art class on watercolors. Letting kids mix their own paint, I think, keeps the paper towel people in business. It’s also instructive that just a splash of added pigment goes a long way to changing the tone of your base color. This is the basic idea behind the special vestments for Gaudete Sunday.

During most of Advent, the priest at Mass will wear violet vestments. This reflects the somber tone of the season, keeping vigil in the encircling gloom as the time of daylight gets shorter and shorter, approaching the winter solstice. Through her liturgy, the Church expresses the desire deep in every human heart for light, the light of truth and goodness, the light that scatters the darkness. The Church also proclaims that this long-desired light is incarnate in Jesus Christ.

While violet is the color of Advent, the Christmas season is lived in brilliant white, the fullness of the visible spectrum of light. If one were to blend just a few drops of white paint into a pool of violet, the result is rose. Already, a bit of the light and life and joy of Jesus, the incarnate Son of God, has mixed into the gloom of human history, so often a valley of tears. The joy of the gospel has already been proclaimed against the gloom. The Lord Jesus has already begun the work of reconciling all things to Himself, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to the glory of God the Father.

Awaiting the coming of the Lord in Advent, we know full well that He has already come once. We are not unaware of the Incarnation, a historical event definitively rooted in first-century Palestine. However, in the liturgy of the Church, we relive this mystery in a way that makes present to us the experience of the people of Israel in their hopeful expectation while, at the same time, expressing the joyful Christian witness that the Savior has already come. Our joy in the Nativity of Jesus Christ cannot be contained and peeks through in the third Sunday of Advent.

Jesus has come. Jesus is coming again. Jesus is present now in our midst: in the poor He calls us to serve, in the Church He established on the foundation of the apostles, and in a particular way in the the Most Holy Eucharist, the prolongation of His Incarnation. Just a drop of gospel joy changes the whole tone of our lives. If we mix that joy into the gloom around us, if we carry just a small candle of Christ’s light throughout our lives, we can lighten and brighten the color of the world. By sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, let us give our friends and neighbors, co-workers and families, a peek of joy.

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MASS INTENTIONS & WEEKEND PRESIDERS

Monday, December 176:00pm Intention of the Parishioners

Tuesday, December 188:15am Intention of the Parishioners

Wednesday, December 198:15am Vera Snell

Thursday, December 208:15am Rebecca “Ann” Okoniewski2:30pm (Mason Christian Village) Intention of the Parishioners

Friday, December 218:15am Theresa Hudson

Saturday, December 228:15am Intention of the Parishioners5:00pm (Fr. Farrell) Robert Brown

Sunday, December 237:30am (Fr. Farrell) Frank Surette - Special Intention9:00am (Fr. Farrell) Parents of Anne Mrokovitz11:15am (Fr. Roush) Tracy Muller6:00pm (Fr. Roush) Warren Carmichael

WEEKEND MASS TIMESSaturday at 5:00pmSunday at 7:30am, 9:00am, 11:15am, 6:00pm

Spanish Mass: 4:00pm the 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month

DAILY MASS TIMESMonday at 6:00pmTuesday through Saturday at 8:15am

HOLY DAY MASSES8:15am, 12:00pm (Noon) & 7:00pm

RECONCILIATIONMonday at 6:45pm and Saturday at 9:00am

EUCHARISTIC EXPOSITIONMonday, 6:45 - 9:00pm

FIRST FRIDAYAfter 8:15am Mass Friday to beginningof 8:15am Mass Saturday

ROSARY/DEVOTIONSTuesday through Saturday at 7:30am

Nursery AvailableThe nursery is available for 9:00 and 11:15am Masses. It is located in the Undercroft. Call ext. 3126 or email nursery@stsusanna.org for details.

Spanish MassA Mass in Spanish will be held at 4:00pm on the 2nd & 4th Sundays of every month. For details, contact Karla Eysoldt, (513) 448-8994 or keysoldt@catholiccincinnati.org.

Misa en español es el segundo y cuarto domingo del mes a las 4:00pm.

PRAY FOR THOSE SERVING OVERSEAS! Alex BackJake DenmanCraig DotyJoseph Patrick FuscoJustin SchuhChristian SorfnsenJames WernkeBrandon WesleyMichael Zeller

PRAYERS FORTHOSE IN NEED Erlinda Amoroso-LinganCyndy BradyJack BradyBettyLu BryanJeffery BurbridgeDeborah BurkardtJody CharltonJim DavisDolores DiAngeloTony DierkersLucy D’SouzaJames EdmondsJohn FeldmanJoann FathEdna GilbPeggy GospodarekScott GreislNorma GroneDeanna HammJoe KoenigJanice KonciusFrank LahrmanStephen LutesDavid MagellaSusan MarshMatt MartinLucas McCreaJeanne MullettChidinma NwankpaJeanie PenceBarbie QuintoJoel RiveraDoreen SchowalterWayne SchowalterMarie SeuberlingMillie SmeltzerConnie SparkowskiMarilyn StarkPaul St. ClairKelly StevensJulia TheilScott TrappBeverly WardJenny WeibelRobert WigginsJennifer WilliamsonKen Wood

Prayer RequestsIf you have people to be prayed for and would like to have them in the bulletin, please email bulletin@stsusanna.org and we will begin publishing them weekly.

Parish LibraryMedia can be checked out at any time. Stop by the Parish Office for help.

Children’s Liturgy of the WordFor children in grades K-2, September through May, 9:00 and 11:15am Masses.

IN LOVING MEMORY...

Helen Quallen Mother of Pam Peery

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Marriage PreparationPlease contact the Parish Office no later than six months prior to the date of intended marriage.

Baptism PreparationAll parents desiring Baptism for their children should go to the website and fill out the registration forms on the website at www.stsusanna.org/baptism.

If it is your first child, please feel free to attend the baptismal class at your earliest convenience. Couples may attend before the birth of their child, but registration must be complete.

Our Catholic FaithAre you interested in learning more about our beautiful Catholic Faith and perhaps becoming Catholic? Are you an Adult Catholic seeking Confirmation?Then please contact Susan Hack,ext. 3169 or hacks@stsusanna.org.

ALTAR FLOWER DEDICATION

You can dedicate the placing of flowers at the altar in memory of a loved one or to honor a special occasion. The amount is $50 to defray the cost of the flowers.

To reserve a date, please contact the Parish Office, 398-3821, ext. 3100.

Go to stsusanna.formed.org to create your FREE personal login.

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Parish MembershipWe joyfully welcome new members of our parish community. Please register by calling the Parish Office (513-398-3821), or online (www.stsusanna.org).

WORSHIP

STEWARDSHIP

Year to Date ACTUAL

Year to Date BUDGET

Over / (Under) Budget

$917,125 $970,297 $53,172

December 2, 2018

ACTUALDecember 2, 2018

BUDGETOver / (Under)

Budget

$44,625 $53,989 $9,364

FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS CONCERT!Sunday, December 16th, at 3:00pm

Enjoy 70 minutes of new and familiar Christmas songs and carols fully orchestrated for strings, brass, woodwinds, organ, and percussion, featuring The St. Susanna Adult and Children’s Choirs! ALL ARE WELCOME!

INTERESTED IN MAKING AN END-OF-YEAR DONATION?

Thank you for your generosity throughout 2018, your gifts of time, talent and treasure are a great blessing to the parish. Contact Shannon Benvenuti with any questions at 513-398-3821, ext. 3121, or benvenutis@stsusanna.org. If you would like to make a gift for your end-of-year contribution statement for 2018, please be reminded that:

• Your gift needs to be received in the Parish Office or postmarked NO LATER than December 31, 2018. Please note that the Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 24th through Tuesday, January 1st. Donations sent through mail should be addressed to St. Susanna Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, Ohio 45040.

• Donations may also be remitted through the Online Giving Portal on the home page of the website and will appear on your 2018 contribution statement if they are made by December 31, 2018.

• If you are interested in making a stock donation to the parish for this year, clear and detailed directions for the simple process are provided on the parish website. Choose the About tab, then Stewardship/Giving, followed by Endowments & Securities.

REMEMBER LOVED ONES WITH CHRISTMAS FLOWER DONATIONS Our beautiful St. Susanna Church looks its best when in full decoration for special occasions like Christmas and Easter. We are inviting our parishioners to remember or honor someone special by donating toward our Christmas flowers and decorations in that person’s name. You may send in a donation to remember a loved one, honor someone special or simply help make the church more beautiful for this special season.

With each $10 request, please include the donor’s name and the honored person’s name. Place the request in the specially-marked envelope you received in your packet. You may drop your envelope in the collection basket or mail it to the parish office. You can also make your donation through online giving on our website, and separately provide the donor’s and honoree’s name as noted above, along with a note that you donated online. The list of those remembered or honored will be published in an upcoming bulletin.

Year to Date ACTUAL

Year to Date BUDGET

Over / (Under) Budget

$961,750 $1,014,256 $52,506

December 9, 2018

ACTUALDecember 9, 2018

BUDGETOver / (Under)

Budget

$44,625 $43,959 ($665)

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DISCIPLES IN ACTION

Sunday, December 16th at 3:00pmFirst Annual Christmas Concert (in the Church)

Monday, December 24th

3:00pm in the Church* (with the Children’s Choir)3:00pm in the Meyer Center*

5:30pm and 11:00pm* in the Church*Music will begin 30 minutes prior

to the 3:00pm and the 11:00pm Masses.

Tuesday, December 25th9:00am and 11:15am in the Church

Monday, December 31st at 6:00pmMary, Mother of God Vigil Mass

Tuesday, January 1st at 10:00amSolemnity of Mary, Mother of God

Notes:

• There will be NO Mass on Wednesday, December 26th.• The Parish Office will be closed Monday, December 24th

through Tuesday, January 1st. Normal hours will resume Wednesday, January 2nd.

F I N D C H R I S T M A S AT S T. S U S A N N A

holy nightS I L E N T N I G H T

Mark your calendars for Trivia Night, Saturday, January 19th at the St. Susanna Meyer Center.

Test your trivia knowledge: How many squares are on a standard monopoly board?

Come out for a night of fun and fellowship! Sign up as an individual, couple, or form your own table of eight. Cost is $25 per person - it includes soft drinks, popcorn, and a prize for the winning table. RSVP required by January 13th. 21 and over. To reserve a table or for more information, contact Tom Killion at tkillion56@yahoo.com.

FOOD FOR ALL“For I was hungry, and you gave me food …” Matthew 25:35

St. Susannna has joined forces with Catholic Charities: Food for All Ministry. Food for All partners with social service agencies and churches in rural areas across the eastern counties of the Archdiocese of Cincinnati to address hunger in food deserts.

Volunteers are needed from 9:00am to 1:30pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Bethel, the 2nd Friday of the month. We are planning for our first volunteer opportunity to be Friday, January 11th. A carpool will be arranged for St. Susanna volunteers. If you have questions, please contact Mary Jo Burns at burnsmj@stsusanna.org or 398-3821, ext. 3120. For more information and to sign up, please visit: www.stsusanna.org/foodforall.

“For I was hungry, and you gave me food …” Matthew 25:35St. Susannna has joined forces with Catholic Charities: Food for All

Ministry. Food for All partners with social service agencies and churches in rural areas across the eastern counties of the

Archdiocese of Cincinnati to address hunger in food deserts.

Volunteers are needed from 9:00am to 1:30pm at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, in Bethel, the 2nd Friday

of the month. We are planning for our firstvolunteer opportunity to be Friday, January 11th.

A carpool will be arranged for St. Susanna volunteers.

For more information and to sign-up, please visit:

www.stsusanna.org/foodforall

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CAREGIVER SUPPORT MEETINGThis month, the Caregiver meeting is on the third Wednesday.

Being able to cope with the strains and stresses of being a caregiver is part of the “art of caregiving.” In order to remain healthy so that we can continue to be caregivers, we must be able to see our own limitations and learn to care for ourselves as well as others. Our monthly meetings are about relaxing, gathering, sharing information, and supporting one another. Please join us December 19th, from 7:00pm-8:30pm, in the St. Julie Billiart Room. Call Sharon Kipfer, 513-509-3278, with any questions.

EXPLORING MIGRATION: A FAITH JOURNEY

St. Susanna’s Our Global Family Ministry is pleased to sponsor this JustFaith Ministries program, exploring the 21st-century reality of migration on a global level. This small-group program will use

reading, prayer, video, dialogue, and active listening to formulate a personal response inspired by our Catholic beliefs.

• Cost: $20 for materials.• Thursdays, 9:00-11:30am in the St. Julie Billiart Room• January 31st through March 21st, 2019• For more information and to register, visit

www.stsusanna.org/ourglobalfamily.

THANK YOU FROM THE GIVING TREE COMMITTEE

A HUGE thank you is extended to all who volunteered and participated in the Giving Tree Ministry. From making the ornaments, setting up the trees, donating the gifts, collecting the gifts and delivering the gifts to the Schuh Center, St.

George Pantry and St. Joseph SVdP Conference in Adams County – each step needed volunteers to make this endeavor successful and YOU came through!! A job well done! Again, THANK YOU for reaching out so that others may experience the love of Christ this Christmas. A thank you also goes out to McCluskey Chevrolet and Relocation Planners (Tom Hambly), who donated the use of the trucks, and St. Joseph Orphanage who donated the van(s). The vehicles were used to help deliver the gifted items to St. George Pantry and Adams County SVdP. May you feel PEACE and HOPE during this wondrous Christmas Season!

2018 Colletion Weekend:

DECEMBER8 TH & 9 TH

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CFP: Grades 1-8 (2018-2019)Faith Formation for elementary students with classes available Sunday 10:30-11:45am, Sunday 4:30-5:45pm, and Monday 6:00-7:15pm. For more information, contact Joe Schleicher, ext. 3149, or schleicherj@stsusanna.org.

Early Childhood 2018-2019Faith Formation for 3, 4, pre-K 5-year-olds and kindergartners meets on Sunday mornings at 9:00am. For more information, contact Rebecca Sackrider, ext. 3126, sackriderr@stsusanna.org.

PreschoolWeekday Preschool is available for ages 2-5 in the Undercroft of church. For more information, contact Joette Ewing, ext. 3131 or ewingj@stsusanna.org.

Saint Susanna SchoolThe parish school provides a Catholic education for Grades K-8. For more information, contact theSchool Office, ext. 3108.

Faith AliveGrades 6-8 (2018-2019)Sundays at 4:00pm to 5:45pmin the St. John Bosco Youth Room. For more information, contact Gabbi Montavon, ext. 3195 or montavang@stsusanna.org.

To get Faith Alive text updates, you can join by texting 517-910-6127 and text the message @stsue.

LIFEGrades 9-12 (2018-2019)Sundays at 7:00pm in the St. John Bosco Youth Room. For more information, contact Gabbi Montavon, ext. 3195 or montavang@stsusanna.org.

To get LIFE text updates, you can join by texting to the number 81010 and text the message @stsuelife.

CHILDREN’S FAITH FORMATION

FAITH ALIVE (GRADES 6-8)

• December 16th (4:00-5:45pm): Christmas Party! Bring a Christmas treat to share!

• December 23rd: No Faith Alive! Merry Christmas• December 30th: No Faith Alive! Happy New Years!

LIFE (GRADES 9-12)

• December 16th (7:00-9:00pm): Jesus is the LIFE of the Party! Christmas Party! Bring a White Elephant gift. $5 maximum

• December 23rd: No LIFE! Merry Christmas!• December 30th: No LIFE! Happy New Years!• Upcoming Event, January 17th-19th: March for Life! Join LIFE as we march in Washington,

D.C. for the March for Life! We will be attending an opening prayer service at Good Shepherd at 7:00pm on Thursday, January 17th. After the service, we will be travelling to D.C. in buses. We will arrive back to Cincinnati around 6:00am on Saturday, January 19th. Contact Gabbi to get signed up.

SUBSTITUTE TEACHERS NEEDED AT ST. SUSANNA SCHOOL

St. Susanna is looking to add responsible, caring, and enthusiastic people to our list of substitute teachers. St. Susanna is a Parish K-8 School in Mason with a strong family environment that offers a very competitive wage for substitute teachers. To be considered, you must have or be able to obtain a Substitute Teacher License through the State of Ohio Department of Education (ODE) or possess a Teaching License through the

State of Ohio. You must also be Virtus-trained through the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Kevin Mays, Assistant Principal, at maysk@stsusanna.org or 513-398-3821, ext. 3116.

NURSERY HELP NEEDED!!

The youngest members of our parish are in need of your service. The nursery is seeking individuals with experience and interest in caring for multiple children birth to 4 years old. The position requires a commitment on Sunday mornings twice a month with flexible scheduling and some compensation. Volunteers are also wanted! If interested, please contact Shannon Benvenuti by phone at 513-398-3821, ext. 3121 or via email at benvenutis@stsusanna.org.

TUITION ASSISTANCE GRANTS

The Catholic Education Foundation for the Archdiocese of Cincinnati is currently accepting applications for 2019-2020 elementary school tuition assistance grants. All grants are needs-based and can be used at any Catholic elementary school within the Archdiocese of Cincinnati. Awards range from $250 to $1,000 per student.

• How to apply: www.catholicbestchoice.org• Deadline: January 31, 2019• Amount: Up to $1,000 per child

The Catholic Education Foundation tuition aid program began in 2017-18, funded by the One Faith, One Hope, One Love Capital Campaign. Due to the generosity of your parish, the Catholic Education Foundation will again be able to offer over $2,000,000 in financial aid! For more details and to apply, visit: www.catholicbestchoice.org.

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ESTE MES EN PARROQUIA ST. SUSANNA • DICIEMBRE 2018

El programa de ABLE ofrece clases de Inglés. Para más información comuniquese al (513) 695-2987. Clases en Lebanon en las tardes.

SU CASA SE HA MUDADO

La nueva dirección es: Mid Pointe Tower 7162 Reading Rd, Cincinnati, Ohio 45237. Tel 513-761-1588. Para Servicios Legales de Inmigración: (513) 672-3746

MISA EN ESPAÑOLSegundo y cuarto Domingo del Mes 4:00pm

ORACIÓN TAIZE Y CORONILLA DE LA MISERICORDIATercer Jueves del mes a las 6:30pm

NECESITAMOS SU AYUDA!!Con dos Misas al mes en Español, necesitamos ayuda. Ministros de Eucaristía, Ujieres, Lectores, Monaguillos. Se provee entrenamiento. Para el Coro contactar a: Nicolas Ortiz smtjedi@yahoo.com

NOTICIAS

• Grupo de Oración para adultos en Español todos los Martes a las 7:30pm en el cuarto de St. Jerónimo abajo de la Iglesia.

• No se les olvide registrarse a la parroquia! Cualquier programa que quieran participar, cartas de la Iglesia, hacer algún sacramento, tienen que estar registrados.

• Para más información o si tiene alguna pregunta por favor comuniquese con la Iglesia. El número de teléfono en Español de St. Susanna es: (513) 398-3821 Ext. 3202 por favor deje mensaje.

¿CONOCE A ALGUIEN A QUIEN EL ALCOHOL Y LAS DROGAS REPRESENTAN PROBLEMAS EN SU VIDA?

GRUPO AMOR Y SERVICIO tiene sesiones: Todos los dias de 8-10PM. Para más información por favor llame a: (513) 551-3103, (513) 390-3825. Trabajamos con las debilidades humanas, alcoholism, drogadicción, neurosis,depresión y pensamientos obsesivos compulsivos.

GRUPO DE APOYO PARA SOBREVIVIENTES DE VIOLENCIA DOMÉSTICA.

Todos los Martes de 5:30-7pm. Llame al (513) 381-5610 para mas información y lugares. Hay cuidado de niños.

Asegúrese de consultar el Bulletin cerca de los elevadores para oportunidades de ayudar y servir a

nuestra comunidad.

SE NECESITA AYUDA EN LA GUARDERIA

Los miembros más pequeños de nuestra parroquia necesitan de su servicio. La guardería está buscando personas con experiencia e interés para cuidar muchos niños de entre las edades de recién nacidos a 4 años. La posición requiere un compromiso los domingos por la mañana de 8:30am-12:30pm dos veces al mes con horario flexible, se les dará una compensación - os voluntarios también querían. Si estas interesado por favor comunícate con Shannon Benvenuti al teléfono (513) 398-3821 ext. 3121 o vía email benvenutis@stsusanna.org.

CONCIERTO NAVIDEÑO ANUAL DE ST. SUSANNA! Domingo, Diciembre 16 a las 3:00pm Disfruta de 70 minutos de nuevas y familiares canciones Navideñas y villancicos totalmente orquestados por instrumentos de cuerdas, de percusión, de viento (metálicos y de madera), y órgano presentando a los coros de adultos y niños de St. Susanna. ¡TODOS SON BIENVENIDOS!

“PORQUE TUVE HAMBRE, Y ME DISTE DE COMER…” MATTHEW 25:35St. Susanna ha unido fuerzas con Caridad Católica: Ministerio de Comida

para Todos. El Ministerio de Comida para Todos está asociado con agencias de servicio social e iglesias en áreas rurales en los condados del

este de la Arquidiócesis de Cincinnati para combatir el hambre.

Se necesitan voluntarios de las 9:00am a la 1:30pm en la Iglesia Católica St. Mary, en Bethel, el segundo Viernes del mes.

La primera oportunidad para ayudar la estamosplaneando para el Viernes 11 de Enero. Transporte compartido

será organizado para los voluntarios de St. Susanna.

Para más información y para registrarse por favor visite:

www.stsusanna.org/foodforall

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¿ESTAS INTERESADO EN HACER UNA DONACION DE FIN DE AÑO?

Gracias por su generosidad durante el 2018, sus regalos de tiempo, talento y contribuciones son una gran bendición para la parroquia. Si tiene preguntas por favor comunicarse con Shannon Benvenuti al 513-398-3821 ext. 3121 o a su correo electrónico benvenutis@stsusanna.org. Si desea hacer una donación de fin de año para su declaración de contribuciones del 2018, por favor tenga en cuenta que:• Su donación necesita ser recibida en la Oficina de la Parroquia o

tener sello postal NO MAS TARDE del 31 de Diciembre de 2018. Por favor tenga en cuenta que la Oficina de la Parroquia estará cerrada del Lunes 24 de Diciembre hasta el Martes 1ro. de Enero. Donaciones enviadas por correo deben ser dirigidas a St. Susanna Church, 616 Reading Road, Mason, OH 45040.

• Donaciones también pueden ser remitidas a través del Portal Online Giving que puede encontrar en la página principal del sitio web de la iglesia St. Susanna y aparecerá en su estado de cuenta de contribuciones del 2018 si fueron hechas a más tardar el 31 de Diciembre del 2018.

• Si usted está interesado en hacer una donación de acciones a la parroquia para este año, instrucciones claras y detalladas para el proceso son proveídas en el sitio web de la parroquia. Escoja la ceja About, luego Stewardship/Giving, seguido por Endowments & Securities.

8© 2018 Liguori Publications • Liguori, MO 63057-9999

Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.

Philippians 4:6

December 16, 2018Third Sunday of Advent (C)Zep 3:14–18a Phil 4:4–7 Lk 3:10–18

Fear and Intimacy

This bronze shows the young John pointing as if responding to a question or pointing the way. There

was anxious anticipation amongst the Jews about the coming Messiah. Yet, we have no reason for anxiety.

Anxiety comes from fear of the unknown. When we’re unsure of how things will turn out, we get anxious. When we lack control or can’t plan for our security, we get anxious.

Fear and anxiety are the enemies of intimacy and love. Fear makes us run far enough away so we feel removed from danger, safe from the aggressor. Or it drives us to hold someone, seeking strength in attachment. But fear doesn’t create space for true intimacy. It either creates excessive distance or suffocating closeness.

John didn’t want to create fear or caution of God. Rather, he wanted to open hearts to receive God in love. Ours is not a God of fear, but of love.

In Jesus’ Incarnation, he shows just how much he wants to be with us. He comes to make his home among us, while waiting for us to accept him and make room for him. He doesn’t force, but comes with patience and love.

Knowing that he loves and wants the best for us, we merely need to make ourselves known to him by revealing our deepest needs to him with prayer.

John the Baptist came to prepare the path for the Messiah, and many responded by asking, “What should we do to prepare?” Put aside anxiety and fear, simply prepare a home for him, and then let him in.

—Fr. Mark Haydu, LC

For ReflectionWhat causes me fear or anxiety?

Can I give my anxiety to Jesus and ask him to bring me a greater sense of peace this Christmas?

Piece: The Young St. John the Baptist Date: 1955Artist: Francesco Messina Location: Vatican Museums

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Worship TeamFr. Robert Farrell (Pastor): ext. 3101, farrellr@stsusanna.orgFr. Eric Roush (Parochial Vicar): ext. 3106, roushe@stsusanna.orgLuke Mayernik (Director of Music & Liturgy): ext. 3105, mayernikl@stsusanna.orgLou Wong (Deacon): ext. 3137, wongl@stsusanna.org

Children’s Ministry TeamJoe Schleicher (CFP): ext. 3149, schleicherj@stsusanna.orgLauren Zinnecker (CFP): ext. 3400, zinneckerl@stsusanna.orgJoette Ewing (Preschool): ext. 3131, ewingj@stsusanna.orgRebecca Sackrider (Early Childhood, VBS): ext. 3126, sackriderr@stsusanna.orgBeverly Donahue (Admin. Assistant): ext. 3111, donahueb@stsusanna.org

Administrative TeamShannon Benvenuti (Business Manager): ext. 3121, benvenutis@stsusanna.orgTeresa Johns (Communications Director): ext. 3104, johnst@stsusanna.orgRusty Mentrup (Facilities): 513-882-2551, mentrupr@stsusanna.orgCathy Meyer (Facilities Scheduling/Safe Environment): ext. 3113, meyerc@stsusanna.orgJodi Tucker (Bookkeeper): ext. 3103, tuckerj@stsusanna.org

Adult Ministry Team - RCIA and Faith OpportunitiesSusan Hack (Director): ext. 3169, hacks@stsusanna.orgChloé Fasano: ext. 3110, fasanoc@stsusanna.orgVirginia Rodriguez (Admin. Assistant): ext. 3107, rodriguezv@stsusanna.org

Youth Ministry (High School and Jr. High)Gabbi Montavon: ext. 3195, montavong@stsusanna.org

Missions TeamMary Jo Burns (Peace & Justice): ext. 3120, burnsmj@stsusanna.orgKarla Eysoldt (Hispanic Ministry): 448-8994, keysoldt@catholiccincinnati.org

School TeamDaniel Albrinck (Principal): ext. 3109, albrinckd@stsusanna.orgKevin Mays (Assistant Principal): ext. 3116, maysk@stsusanna.orgKristen Tell (School Religion Coordinator): ext. 3135, tellk@stsusanna.org

PARISH STAFF (Contact: 398-3821 • Parish, ext. 3100 • School, ext. 3108)

12/212/312/412/512/612/712/8

$100$40$40$40$40$40$40

Jeff BraunPat Cunningham Angela Flores Thomas DoanMalone GrahamTom HockBill Fogler

PTO 365 DAY RAFFLE WINNERSBoosters: Mark Cravens, 770-4278CareGiver Support: Sharon Kipfer, 509-3278 Computer Donation Line: 668-7483Festival: Brenda Stier, lstier@cinci.rr.comFinance Commission: Shannon Benvenuti, 398-3821Fish Fry: Scott Kososki, 461-9098Knights of Columbus: George Denman, 939-9022Men’s Prayer Group: Bill Bross, 518-9594

Moms Group: Sheila LaMaster, 260-241-2687NFP: Tom & Colleen O’Rourke, 398-3116Prayer Network: Kathy Mussman, 777-5981PTO: Ann Roda, stsusannapto@gmail.comRisen Life: Roberta Brunck, 777-1476School Commission: Kathy Maritato, kathymlong@gmail.comSchuh Center: Teresa Bolte, 779-8965St. Vincent de Paul: Mary Jo Burns, 398-3821Women’s Assoc.: Mary Ann Mushaben, 504-7181Young at Heart: Dottie Linton, 754-0114

St. Susanna Parish Organizations