D E C E M B E R 6 | 2 0 2 0 N O V I , M I

N E W SS T J A M E S N O V I . O R G

AS ST. JAMES CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WE WELCOME AND SERVE ALL

PEOPLE AS DISCIPLES WHO CELEBRATE AND LOVE AS JESUS TAUGHT

AS ST. JAMES CATHOLIC COMMUNITY WE WELCOME AND SERVE ALL

PEOPLE AS DISCIPLES WHO CELEBRATE AND LOVE AS JESUS TAUGHT

Holiday Projects

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PARISH OFFICE 46325 Ten Mile Rd. Novi, MI 48374 P (248) 347-7778 F (248) 347-9625 www.sjnovi.net

PASTOR Fr. Ed Zaorski, Ext.16 ezaorski@sjnovi.net

Deacon Leo Maciolek Contact parish office

Deacon Pete Cornell Contact parish office

PASTORAL ASSOCIATE & CHRISTIAN SERVICE COORDINATOR Dan Hull danhull@sjnovi.net

PARISH SECRETARIES Rigonda Savickas, Ext.10 parishsecretary@sjnovi.net

CONTRIBUTIONS SECRETARY Tammy Oberski, Ext.11 contributions@sjnovi.net

BUSINESS MANAGER Ext 15 businessmgr@sjnovi.net

CHRISTIAN SERVICE Ext.17 christianservice@sjnovi.net

Beth Bush, Ext. 37 csasst@sjnovi.net

BOOKKEEPER Karen Roosen kroosen@sjnovi.net

MUSIC DIRECTOR Pierre Fracalanza, Ext.18 musicministry@sjnovi.net

ASSISTANT MUSIC DIRECTOR Glenn Porzadek glenn@porzadek.com

COMMUNICATIONS DIRECTOR Ron Hartmus, Ext. 24 bulletin@sjnovi.net

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION OFFICE Pre-K thru Grade 8: Direct Line: (248) 347-3434

Director Meredith Skowronski, Ext.12 mskowronski@sjnovi.net

Maureen O'Brien, Ext. 36 mobrien@sjnovi.net

Deanna Satti, Ext.13 dsatti@sjnovi.net

Marge Fitzpatrick, Ext. 35 mfitzpatrick@sjnovi.net

MAINTENANCE Rich Uroda, Ext.19 ruroda@sjnovi.net

Larry Warner, Ext.19 lwarner@sjnovi.net

ATHLETIC DIRECTOR Chris Harpenau StJamesAD@Live.com

LEADERSHIP COUNCIL Ernie Bock Gene Bigi Don Collom Lisa Coughlin Eric Gerwin Nathan Graham Ron Hartmus Aaron Klenke Ken Krause Jim Long Beth Quinley Steve Schafer Ron Ward Adam Wehner

SAT 4:00 pm SUN 8:00, 9:30, 11:30 MON 9:00 am TUE 9:00 am WED 7:00 pm THU 9:00 am FRI None

OFFICE HOURSSUN 9:00 am - 12:30 pmMON 9:00 am - 4:00 pm TUE 9:00 am - 4:00 pmWED 9:00 am - 4:00 pmTHU 9:00 am - 4:00 pmFRI ClosedSAT 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm HolidaysMayDifferBAPTISMS By appointment. Parish membership and pre-registration for preparation class required.

RECONCILIATION WED 6:00 pm SAT 2:30 pm

ANOINTING OF THE SICK / MINISTRY TO THE SICK Please call the parish office to arrange for anointing for someone who is seriously ill or preparing for surgery. If ill, homebound or hospitalized, we can visit upon request. There will also be an opportunity to receive the sacrament on the 2nd Saturday of every month after the 4pm mass.

MARRIAGE Please contact the office to make an appointment with clergy.

FUNERALS When planning a funeral at St. James, many details need attention and our staff is willing to assist you during this difficult time. Once you have contacted the funeral home, please call the parish office to plan the funeral Mass and other arrangements. The usual time for funerals is 10:30 am with visitation prior.

PARISH REGISTRATION Registration forms are located on the credenza in the Narthex or on our website. Notify the Parish Office of address changes.

Bulletin Articles due by 1 pm on Friday(9 days prior to publication) Submitted content is subject to approval.

mass times & information

Our Offices are currently closed

to the public.  We will be answering

all calls and emails.

Thankfully, new, unique provisions in the tax code have been implemented in response to the COVID-19 crisis, creating more incentives for giving. You may be able to better leverage your donations with tax-smart strategies. So, if you’re able to extend your generosity during this time of increased need, it may be an opportune year to make contributions to charity.

Everyone can claim a deduction In 2020, the standard deduction is $12,400 for a single tax filer or $24,800 for a married couple filing a joint return (even more for those age 65 or over). Your itemized deductions would need to exceed those levels to benefit from itemizing. Those who don’t typically itemize are not able to deduct charitable contributions from their taxes. However, on your 2020 tax return, you will be allowed to deduct up to $300 in cash contributions to qualified charities even if you choose the standard deduction.

A higher ceiling on tax-advantaged giving If you do itemize deductions and plan on large gifts, the tax rules prevented you from claiming a deduction that exceeded 60 percent of your adjusted gross income (AGI) in a single year. In a unique provision for 2020, you can now claim a deduction valued at up to 100 percent of your AGI for charitable contributions. If your financial circumstances put you in a position to make

substantial gifts, this will be the most favorable year, from a tax perspective, to do it.

A tax-efficient distribution strategy from your IRA A special provision for 2020 allows individuals subject to Required Minimum Distributions from IRAs and workplace retirement plans to forego those distributions. If you don’t need to draw from your IRA to meet your income needs for this year, you still have an opportunity to put the funds that would have been RMD dollars to use as a charitable contribution. The most tax-effi-cient way to do so is with a Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD). Up to $100,000 per year can be contributed in this way to charitable orga-nizations. With a QCD, if you are 70.5 or older, funds are distributed directly to the charity from your IRA so you don’t have to claim the income before making the contribution. That is a tax saving strategy you can use whether you item-ize deductions or claim the standard deduction.

Year-End TaxPlanning Strategies

2 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH STJAMESNOVI.ORG View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

During the pandemic we have become

hyperaware that there is a limited amount of resources. Do we have enough milk? Toilet paper? Hand Sanitizer? But our most important

resources are unlimited and available from our Heavenly Father, such as peace. The world feels so unsettled right now that it is vital to tap into His peace. When we do, that peace spreads to those around us.

So, how do we stock up on God’s peace at home?

Table Talk: Ask your family members to share a place where they feel peace, such as cuddling up in a parent’s lap. We feel safe and secure knowing they are watching out for us. Imagine being there and feeling that peace. Imagine sitting cuddled up on God’s lap. He keeps us safe and is providing for us each day. When we forget about His love we become worried and afraid. That’s when we know it’s time to spend time with Him and feel that peace that never runs out.

Be a Peacemaker: This is the perfect week to mend relationships. What

relationships need healing right now? Have each person make a plan to reach out to someone in friendship this week. It’s a perfect week to mend our relationship with our Heavenly Father through Reconciliation.

Peaceful Planning: Plan some evenings with peaceful activities, such as reading books together, especially Christmas books. Play some music while you work together on a jigsaw puzzle or baking goodies.

Peaceful Giving: Together clean out closets and box up clothes and toys to donate. Eliminating clutter and giving to those in need can help us find peace.

May God bless and strengthen your family!

Marge Fitzpatrick mfitzpatrick@sjnovi.netI can do all things through Christ who gives me strength. Phil. 4:13

Meredith Skowronski - Director of Faith Formation (248) 347-3434

sacraments

Religious Education News

upcoming classes

Second Sunday of Advent: The Candle of PeaceThe weeks leading up to Christmas often seem chaotic with things to do: shopping, decorating, baking, cleaning etc. These “to-dos” oftentimes present a challenge for us to create an environment of peace. This lack of peace in our homes and in our lives often results in our losing focus on the intent behind the season. Curiously, my husband and I were discussing this a few weeks ago when he came across this quote that gave me pause:

“God’s people mourn the brokenness of the world and also participate in the sacred hope that Christ has come and will come again. To celebrate Advent is to make space for vitally important Christian practices: stillness, silence, and longing. We’re invited to light candles in the darkness, to proclaim hope through the silence, and to embrace peace amidst the violence of a world in desperate need of a Savior.” (https://journey2grateful.com/what-is-advent/)

During this second week of Advent, we celebrate the candle of peace and look forward to the hope our Savior brings. This caused me to reflect upon the idea that we cannot promote peace with our neighbors, our communities, and our world without first finding peace within ourselves. Jesus taught that “the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart”, or, another way of interpreting this is to say that “our words and actions define who we are.” So I began to consider, who do my words and actions say that I am? Do my words and actions promote peace? Where and how do I find peace within myself?

I find that I am most peaceful during my reflective time in the morning. It is during this time of stillness and quiet within my home, in the darkness of these early morning hours, and before the business of the day is upon me, that I am able to center myself, to pray, to write, and to listen for the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit to whisper to me. This is my time of peace. It’s a time that I long for because it centers me, calms me and helps me extend my inner peace throughout the course of my day.

During our journey this second week of Advent we must challenge ourselves to recede to our peaceful places especially amidst the busyness of the holiday season and the challenges of the world around us. In our peaceful places, we can take the time to find a moment of quiet to reflect on what brings us peace, and discover ways that we can bestow that peace to others through our words and deeds as we embrace the heavenly intent of this beautiful season.

A blessed Advent Season to you all!

Meredith Skowronski Director of Religious Education mskowronski@sjnovi.net

December 6 Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 6: Good News You Can Use: Advent

Grade 2: Blessed Lesson 10: It's Only The Beginning

Ignite: Grade 7: Off

Ignite: Grade 8: Session 5 Lesson will be posted 12/9

December 13 Grades 1, 3, 4, 5, 6: Good News You Can Use: Christmas Special

Grade 2: Sacrament Preparation Christmas Special

Ignite Grade 7: Lesson will be posted 12/16

Ignite Grade 8: Off

Please find recorded lessons and complete calendar at sjnovi.net

First Reconciliation

Reconciliation dates are being rescheduled due to the surge in COVID cases. Please watch your email for updates.

First Communion May 8th: 10am, 1pm May 13, 7pm May 15, 10am, 1pm

Confirmation 2021 Dates to be announced soon

Confirmation Forms Are Due! Please submit yours at your earliest convenience.

DECEMBER 6, 2020 Second Sunday of AdventView this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

upcoming events

7-8 Adopt-A-Family returns due 6:30 – 8 pm (Parish Hall)

13 Giving Tree Gifts return deadline 14 Delivery of Giving Tree Gifts

14-16 Food Packing

19 Food Delivery

Dan Hull (248)347-7778 ext 17 christianservice@sjnovi.net

immediate needs

additional needs

food pantry

· mayo · popcorn · shampoo · manwich · green beans

· toilet paper · toothpaste

Please be aware, we are unable to accept any items that are expired.

Thank you for supporting this ministry throughout the year.

december

Kroger ShoppersThank you to all who have designated St. James Food pantry to benefit from the Kroger Community Rewards Program! For the quarter ending 10/31/2020, St. James received $633! The Kroger Community Rewards Program is a no cost, easy way to assist the St. James Food Pantry. If you are not enrolled, pick up a Kroger Rewards card from any Kroger store and go online to www.krogercommunityrewards.com to sign up. If you have a Kroger card but it is not benefitting our pantry, you may go online and indicate St. James Food Pantry. Our organization number is IH458. Infor-mation may also be found in the Narthex on the credenza under the bulletin board, or by contacting Christian Service. Monies received from this program allow us to purchase laundry soap, dish soap, garbage bags and a few other hygiene type items for those receiving assistance through our monthly food program.

Attention: Food Pantry PackersPlease check your schedule and sign up for a time slot that works best for you to pack during the next two weeks. If you did not receive the sign-up email or have questions regarding the sign-up sheet, please contact Beth at ext. 37. THANK YOU for your commitment to this Ministry!

PLEASE - Do Not Leave ANY fresh or perishable food items!

Christian Service

Computer Paper BoxesIf you have access to computer paper size boxes, we continue to need your help. Our Thanksgiving Basket Project depleted our supply and we need to replenish in order to handle our December food packing. If you are able to bring in a box or two, it is truly appreciated. We request this size only, due to ease of handling and storage. Thank You!

Thanks to your generosity and

kindness, we have received enough items to fill 140

Thanksgiving Baskets this year!

Holiday Projects VOLUNTEER

OPPORTUNITIEScan you help?

Giving TreeGiving Tree gifts must be delivered Monday, December 14th to eight locations. We need at least 20 additional drivers to accomplish this. We will caravan with a total time commitment of 2 – 2 ½ hours. Please text or call Emily Wright at 248-675-9627 to volunteer.

Any size vehicle would be helpful!

Adopt-A-FamilyThis is the final week of the Adopt-a-family project. Drop off of gifts will take place this Monday, December 7th and Tuesday, December 8th from 6:30 – 8:00 pm. Look for the Adopt-a-family sign outside the Parish Hall on the west side of the church complex (door #7). Drive up to the walkway and a volunteer will come out to your vehicle to collect your gifts.

Please be sure to put the family code number on all of the bags of gifts. The envelope with utility money orders should be labeled with the family code number and handed to the volunteer.

If you are unable to drop off your gifts at the above dates and times, please call Denise Bigi at 248-756-3599 before Monday, December 7th to make other arrangements.

Thank you for participating in the 2020 Adopt-a-family project. Many local families will be blessed with a very special Christmas thanks to your generosity and kindness.

Note: Do not leave gifts for the Adopt-a-family project in the church narthex.

St. James Food Pantry We will be packing December food boxes in the next couple of weeks for our monthly recipients. Delivery will be in time to help the families through the holidays and school break. We continue to receive emergency requests for food assistance throughout the season. Please help by bringing in one or more of the items listed on page 4. Thank You!

4 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH STJAMESNOVI.ORG View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

baptismsNone This Week

wedding bannsIII - Krystyn Kohls and Martin Bunney

scripturereadingsWEEK OF NOVEMBER 29 SUNDAY Is 40:1-5, 9-11; Ps 85: 9-10, 11-12, 13-14;2 Pt 3:8-14; Mk 1:1-8

MONDAY Is 35:1-10; Ps 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14;Lk 5:17-26

TUESDAY Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1,2-3ab, 3cd-4; Eph 1:3-6,11-12; Lk 1:26-38

WEDNESDAY Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-2, 3-4, 8 and 10;Mt 11:28-30

THURSDAY Is 41:13-20; Ps 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab;Mt 11:11-15

FRIDAY Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6; Mt 11:16-19

SATURDAY Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a, Rv 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47

NEXT SUNDAY Is 61:1-2a, 10-11; Lk 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54;1 Thes 5:16-24; Jn 1:6-8, 19-28

THE GIVING TREEThank you to everyone for helping put smiles on so many

faces this Christmas! Whether you took an ornament or donated money for shoppers to purchase gifts, the outpouring

of your generosity has been amazing!

All gifts for ornaments taken must be returned on or before Sunday, December 13th at 11:30 a.m. in order for everyone

to receive their gifts timely. We will make deliveries on Monday, December 14th at 9:00 a.m.

From Your Parish NurseSeniors Can Follow These 5 Easy Tips to Stay Healthy Year-Round

As we grow older our bodies go through many changes. That’s why it is important to adjust our lifestyle for healthy aging. According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, making suitable lifestyle changes may also help prevent health problems like diabetes, heart disease, and some cancers. Healthy eating and regular physical activity are a great place to start! Here are some easy tips to help seniors stay healthy year-round:

1. Follow a healthy eating plan Diet can really influence your health, especially when you start getting older. Eating foods that are rich in vitamins and minerals is essential to healthy aging. It’s best to create a healthy eating plan and to stick to it! Here are a few things to incorporate into your diet:

• Foods with high fiber: Whole grain bread, beans, and unsalted nuts are a few good examples of high fiber foods. These will help improve your digestive health.

• Drinks with added Vitamin D and Calcium: You can get milk products or non-dairy soy milk that includes these vitamins. They are great for improving bone health and strength.

• Heart-healthy options: Look for lean proteins and fish to better your heart health. These foods have Omega-3’s which are great for the heart!

2. Get regular physical exercise You don’t have to pick a lot of strenuous activities when incorporating physical exercise into your routine. Instead, try to do two or three 10-minute walking sessions or other activities in small time increments. The key is doing a little bit of exercise each day and multiple times in the week. You can increase your endurance as your body allows. Some fun activities include going walking with a group, gardening, yoga, water aerobics, etc. Find something you enjoy doing and try to add it to your weekly routine.

3. Stay connected with friends and family Mental health is also important when you are an older adult! Try to stay connected with friends and family. Socializing is a part of a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes seniors can feel

lonely or stressed because of life changes. Make sure you are talking to a support system when you start to feel overwhelmed. Don’t forget to surround yourself with people you enjoy being with!

4. Schedule annual check-ups Prevention is key when our bodies start to age. Once you get over 50, you’ll want to start getting annual physicals. Ask your doctor about preventive screenings. It’s good to talk to your doctor about your family’s history with cancer and other hereditary diseases. Getting a check-up each year is a great way to make sure you’re up-to-date on your immunizations and preventative screenings. It’s also a great way to earn Healthy Rewards with the SmartHealth Well-being Program. The deadline has been extended to Dec. 31, so you’ll have plenty of time to log your annual visit.

5. Prevent falls As we get older, we become more vulnerable to falls. According to the National Council on Aging, falls are the leading cause of fatal injury and the most common cause of nonfatal trauma-related hospital admissions among older adults. You can prevent falls by removing any loose rugs or carpet from your home. Make sure there are clear paths in your home and remove any cords or clutter that could cause a fall. Talk to your doctor if you think you need walking equipment to help with fall prevention. Mysmarthealth.org

DECEMBER 6, 2020 Second Sunday of AdventView this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

Please remember in your prayers the sick listed below:John BoultJudy HeideDonna Hohl Denise RosierJulie MaddocksMichael SovranTerry GovanMikaela SmithGil ShultzBrian BarronJune CramerJulie BoivinLeona BuddBill FarmerDora GradyLouis AyottePatty HanzekJohn CartretteJason KimlingJane HicksAndy KarayCarol MillerPam Budde-WhiteMargaret LaybornPaula ChomiukMaria ArambulaJason ChristopherDiane ChristopherJoanne SchroderMichael RomanikNicole ZapinskiHelen Walczak

Enrico CaniniMary Ann TwiggNorma Kirk-MillerMatthew GumbelKaren WaltonJack SwansonTanya Jordan-JacksonLeon SkudlarekMary Ann McQuaidDean MayMary BakerCindy SovranBeth QuinleyJoann EldredgeBill Bowman, Sr.Mary SealBob DorchyKevin RobertJonathan EvansMichelle CassattaAnne Reilly-LogueBarb FilipowskiMary BarbosaGreg StawaraBeth GrimshawJohn RussellTerry DouganPhyllis MarekLou BerenguerLisa LewandowskiLaurie Benedetto

Anthony LombardKaren HryciukCarol ZalekKaren WingLori RucinskiTom DullPat BarneyDelard PoirierLynn TankersleyJoyce GreywallMargarete MaresBrenda O'BrienJohn SlackRuth ElwoodChristine ChristensenEthan ElwoodChristine KalisTim HaleyFrank FellaRani ThangasamyMary Lee O'KeefeBetty Verkerke GondaTony SkeltisClaire TaylorLevi TerpeningCole SwansonJan MathisonFrank GondaJim ViazankoAlice Woods

Peggy TacchellaShirley SanbornDonna BradshawDenise SchebilDon DuranceDaniella FremstadJameson KunzGayle MooreRay VargovickAlexander DonovanKimberly SmithGary JohnsonMalia GadwellSusan QuadeJohn Cummings, JrDean Giachino Jacob John Snow,Jr.Sam Misuraca Jane LockardDunstan MascarenhasCarmel MizziCatherine MizziJames GeeDan TaylorRita HillTom HartRob LaneyFrank VonKossRobert Bob MonkGrace StableinKaren O'Connor

Christina LaRosaMax RiehlMichael MaguireGloria DowneyClaire SalyersJoan LetourneauKenneth NelsonElla StiversQuaylon HaygoodMichael McCanneCathy BealMorgan ElliotMichael McCarthyAriano RussoTimothy EvansMary McBurneyGeorge FreemanCandise KempNish PatelAlex MichaelsEstelle OlianskyLora McComasGregory DanilowiczLarry Moriarty, Larry StalmackJoan WarnerMick McCannnaKathy McDonough Mike Baron

mass intentions

St. James 2021 Calendars

They are ready to be picked up in the Narthex.

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5 4:00 PM Joy Iovaldi (St.James Parish Family)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 8:00 AM Nancy Sant (Family) The Girolamo Family (Govan Family)

9:30 AM For Vocations to the Priesthood, Deaconate, and Religious Life Ann Kochish (Krystn VanRenterghem) Olive Oldfield (John & Marge Fitzpatrick)

11:30 AM For the Intentions of St.James Parish Family

MONDAY, DECEMBER 7 9:00 AM Bruce McDonnell (Family) Robert Baron (Mr. & Mrs. Mike Baron)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 8 9:00 AM Olive Oldfield (St.James Parish Family) Vito Longo (Ernest & Geraldine Lixey) For the Intentions of Thomas & Catherine Sebastian – for healing their marriage and family unity (Diana Sebastian)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9 6:30 PM Rosary Before Mass

7:00 PM For Vocations to the Priesthood, Deaconate, and Religious Life

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10 9:00 AM Vito Longo (St.James Parish Family) James & Jeannie Tracy (Steven & Jeanine Page Family) John Adolph Gjernes (CCL)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 11 NO MASS

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12 4:00 PM Don Feuerstein (Russ & Beth Bush family)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13 8:00 AM John Laura (Joe & Dianne Laura)9:30 AM Roger Johnson (Roxann Alonzo) Michael Faubert (Roxann Alonzo)11:30 AM For the Intentions of St.James Parish Family

Flyers and envelopes for Donations

are available in Narthex or visit

retiredreligious.org

Please drop Donations

into the Collection drop box

in the Narthex..

OPŁATKI CHRISTMAS WAFERS

Wafers are available in the Parish Office during business hours - $2 per package. The breaking of Christmas wafers

(opłatek) is a Polish custom. At Christmas Eve dinner, the head of the household usually starts by breaking the wafer with his wife and continues to share

with everyone present. Wishes for peace and prosperity are

exchanged and the wafer is consumed.

6 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH STJAMESNOVI.ORG View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

Jesus Loves You!

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DECEMBER 6, 2020 Second Sunday of AdventView this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com

8 ST. JAMES CATHOLIC CHURCH STJAMESNOVI.ORG View this bulletin online at www.DiscoverMass.com