St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish 606 E. Washington St., Medina, OH 44256 330-725-4968 sfxmedina.com

Welcome to all visitors!      We extend a warm welcome to everyone visiting St. Francis Xavier today! We encourage you to register and become an active member. Please call our office at 330-725-4968 and sign

up for a Welcome Session for New Parishioners.

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THIS WEEK AT ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

(TS) Fr. Tony Sejba; (TK) Fr. Thomas Kowatch; (CC) Fr. Chris Cox; (EL) Fr. Ed Lajack; (JM) Fr. John Mullee;

(PK) Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl; (JL) Deacon Joe Loutzenhiser; (DN) Deacon Dan Norris

LITURGY SCHEDULE

Location key: (CH) Church (CB) Church Basement (LR) Loyola Room (CR) Rectory Conference Room

(XR) Xavier Room (SCH) School (TL) Teachers’ Lounge (LIB) School Library (RH) Randel House (RHLT) RH Life Teen

(RLR) Rectory Living Room (HM) Holy Martyrs Church (K of C) Knights of Columbus Hall

Sunday, December 27 10:00 am RCIA (RH) 5:00 pm Bingo (CB) 6:30 pm Life Teen (XR) 6:30 pm Adult Choir (125) 7:00 pm MCRHP (RH) 7:30 pm Christmas Choir Rehearsal (CH) Monday, December 28

Rectory Office Closed—No Activities Tuesday, December 29 6:30 pm Bingo (CB) 6:30 pm St. Vincent dePaul Services (CR) 7:00 pm Young Adult Bible Study (RH) Wednesday, December 30 7:00 pm Women’s Bible Study (CR)

Thursday, December 31

Rectory Office Closed at Noon Friday, January 1

Rectory Office Closed—No Activities Saturday, January 2 8:30 am Cleaning Angels (CH) Sunday, January 3 9:00 am LifeShare Bloodmobile (CR) 5:00 pm Bingo (CB) 7:00 pm MCRHP (RH)

Banns of Marriage II Alexandria Wigton and Mitchell Duale

Sunday, December 27—Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

8:00 am Brian McHugh (TK)  10:00 am Mildred Benner (TS) 12:00 pm Jeanine Marie Miller (CC) 1:30 pm Baptisms 5:30 pm The People of St. Francis Xavier (CC) Monday, December 28 7:30 am* Joseph Meterchick (TK) 7:00 pm Dale Leachko (CC) Tuesday, December 29 7:30 am* Mike and Helen Toth (TK) Wednesday, December 30 7:30 am* Russell Metzger (TS) Thursday, December 31 5:00pm Robert E. Janson, Richard E. Janson and Linda Janson (TS) Friday, January 1—Solemnity of Mary the Holy Mother of God 9:00 am Paula and Milan Dolinar (TK) 11:00 am Anthony Husick (CC) Saturday, January 2 7:30 am* Albert and Ruth Gugginbiller 3:00 pm Reconciliation 5:00 pm Maureen Schmitt and Ray Jablonowski Sunday, January 3—The Epiphany of the Lord

8:00 am Mary and Jim Ranker  10:00 am Marian Rapenchuck 12:00 pm Marcella Paxton 5:30 pm The People of St. Francis Xavier

* Rosary immediately following Mass 

Contact us Rectory Offices: 330-725-4968

Rectory Fax: 330-723-6234

Parish School of Religion: 330-722-7700

St. Francis Xavier School: 330-725-3345

School Fax: 330-721-8626

Church Basement (Café): 330-764-8912

Holy Year of Mercy “The Church is commissioned to announce the mer-cy of God, the beating heart of the Gospel, which in its own way must penetrate the heart and mind of every person…. It is absolutely essential for the Church and for the credibility of her message that she herself live and testify to mercy.” Pope Francis

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Parish Pastoral Council

Damian Ludwiczak (chair): 330-725-6567 Tom Corall (vice chair): 330-725-7207

Kathy Gaughan (secretary): 330-722-8848 Mike Baumgartner: 330-725-4445

Jo Ann Cook: 330-725-6240 Nancy Hutchinson: 330-952-0323

Rick Ouellette: 942-837-7046 Keith Ohnhaus: 330-723-0243

Bob Pryatel: 440-382-9399 Rachelle Skupski: 330-721-1785

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish Staff  

Pastor Rev. Anthony Sejba (ext. 8956) Parochial Vicars Rev. Thomas Kowatch (ext. 8955) Rev. Chris Cox (ext. 8957) Deacons Deacon Paul Kipfstuhl Deacon Joseph Loutzenhiser Deacon Daniel Norris Director of Adult Initiation Jenny Bonarrigo Director of Religious Education Susan Rohe-Brooks (ext. 8961) Youth Minister Paul Koopman (ext. 9141) Director of Ministry and Communication Jennifer Webb (ext. 8946) Director of Music Ryan Neal (ext. 8959) School Principal Bibiana Seislove (ext. 8903) Director of “Little Sailors” Preschool Monica Gorman (ext. 8920) Director of Latchkey Diane Olesinski (ext. 6203) Business Manager Ray Scherry (ext. 8954)

SFX Cemetery Jim Aylsworth, sexton: 330-764-8944

sfxcemetery@sfxmedina.org

Worship and Sacraments at St. Francis Xavier

Baptisms: Two Sundays each month at 1:30 p.m.; baptism classes every other month. Call the rectory for dates. Reconciliation: Saturdays, 3:30 to 4:30 p.m.; Thursday be-fore First Friday, 6:15 to 6:45 p.m. Anointing of the Sick: Prompt attention at any time, day or night! Please call the rectory to arrange for this sacrament: 330-725-4968. Marriage: Please call as soon as possible! Preparation re-quires a minimum of six months. Marriage guidelines are available on request. Nocturnal Adoration: First Friday of the month, 7:30 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. Saturday. Adoration for Life: Third Saturday of the month following 7:30 a.m. Mass, 8 to 8:30 a.m.

Bingo Sundays: Doors open at 3:30 p.m.; games start at 5 p.m. Tuesdays: Doors open at 5 p.m.; games start at 6:30 p.m.

A Stewardship Moment Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

The ul mate aim of St. Paul’s Le er to the Colossians is to teach the community how to deepen its rela onship with Christ Jesus. His list of virtues summarizes the ideals of com-munal stewardship: compassion, kindness, humility, gentle-ness and pa ence. For Paul, prac cing these virtues opens our hearts to Christ as individuals and as a worshipping community. This is how the Chris an community ought to live. This is how its members should behave in their dealings with others, par cularly with fellow believers. As we ap-proach the new year, how might we embrace one or more of these virtues more fully in our parish community in order to deepen our rela onship with Jesus?

Readings for the Week

Monday: 1 Jn 1:5—2:2; Ps 124:2-3, 4-5, 7cd-8; Mt 2:13-18

Tuesday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-2a, 2b-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35

Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-8a, 8b-9, 10;

Lk 2:36-40

Thursday: 1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-12, 13; Jn 1:1-18

Friday: Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8; Gal 4:4-7;

Lk 2:16-21

Saturday: 1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98: 1, 2-3ab, 3cd-4; Jn 1:19-28

Sunday: Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-11, 12-13;

Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12

Rectory office hours Monday through Thursday,

8:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Employment Network For general information about our group, call Jim Mayiras at 330-721-9796. Do you know of someone who needs help or direction in their job search? Call Joe Gainard at 330-725-8690. If your company needs talent and has a position available to post with our group, email the information to Dan Cathcart at cathcartd@yahoo.com.

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St. Francis Xavier Catholic School Update

It is not too soon to think about the SFX Kalahari Family Night and Fundraiser that benefits the parent-sponsored 8th grade Washington DC trip. Mark your calendars

now to join in on the fun for Thursday, February 11 (no school for SFX on Friday). For $119 you get a room with 2 queen beds and includes 4 waterpark passes. $10 from each room will be donated to the trip fund. Book early so you are not shut out. Anyone can take part of this rate, so please pass this informa on to family and friends. For reserva ons call 1-877-525-2427. For ques-

ons but NOT RESERVATIONS call Germaine Wilson at 330-241-1328. This event has sold out in the past!

My con nued holiday prayer for all of you is that you have the chance to enjoy your family and friends during this holy season. Have a blessed Christmas season and Happy New Year! In Christ,

Mrs. Seislove

St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish

ENJOYING TIME WITH FAMILY!

We educate for excellence and together we learn to become Disciples of Christ

WEEK AT A GLANCE:

Date Event Time Sunday, January 3 Bloodmobile 9:00 am to 1:30 pm Monday, January 4 School Resumes Tuesday, January 5 All School Liturgy 9:15 am in the Church

Friday, End of 2nd Quarter January 8 Volunteer Appreciation Dress Down Day

LOOKING AHEAD:

Date Event Time December 19 — January 3 No School—Christmas Break!!

Save the Date: Please come and visit St. Francis Xavier School during our Cath-olic Schools Week Open House on Janu-ary 31, 2016. The week-long Catholic Schools Week celebration will begin at the

12noon liturgy with our students participating in the different ministries. We then invite you to come over to the school and see what makes St. Francis Xavier School so special. Open House will be held immedi-ately following Mass from 1:00 p.m. until 2:30 p.m. Members of our student body and our Parent-Teacher Committee (PTC) will be providing tours for any new guests to St. Francis Xavier School. More information will follow about the upcoming events of Catholic Schools Week, but we wanted you to plan on attending Open House on Sunday, January 31, 2016 from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

LifeShare Community Blood Services will

return for a blood drive here at SFX on

Sunday, January 3, from 9 a.m. to 1:30

p.m. Remember, our school will receive a grant when 25

dona ons are collected.

Save the Date: Saturday, February 27

2nd Annual

Proceeds to benefit the SFX CYO Football Program

Registration Reminders: We will soon begin registration for the 2016-2017 school year. If you have a child of kindergarten age for the 2016-2017 academic year, and are interested in providing a quality Catholic education for them, please call the St. Francis Xavier School office at (330) 725-3345 for more information. We will begin our registration process for kindergar-ten in January. Re-registration for our current students will follow.

If you have old/used Christmas cards you are willing to part with, please send them to the school to Mrs. Woll’s attention. They will be used for a school project. Thank you!

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PARISH SCHOOL OF RELIGION 330-722-7700, ext. 8961 sbrooks@sfxmedina.org

www.sfxmedina.com

Preschool Classes (ages 3, 4 and 5 years old; Sun-days during 10 a.m. Mass): Classes are not in ses-

sion this Sunday, December 27, and Sunday, January 3. Classes resume on January 10, and are also in session January 17, 24 and 31.

Our Parish School of Religion Staff and students wish everyone a very safe and Happy start to this New

Year, 2016.

Elementary Classes for Grades 1-5 on Mondays from

4:30 to 6 p.m. : Classes are s ll on Christmas break this Monday, December 28. Classes resume on Monday, Janu-ary 4, from 4:30 to 6 p.m.

The Edge Program (Grades 6-7-8) Wednesday evening 6:45

to 8:15 p.m.: Edge students will not be in session on Wednesday, December 30, but will resume classes on Wednesday, January 6. Our theme for the second semes-ter will be “The Creed.” Edge Service Nights: On Tuesday, Jan. 5, students will be visi ng with the residents at Medina Meadows. We will meet at St. Francis Xavier at 6:30 p.m. and return by 7:55-8 p.m. On Tuesday, Jan. 12, Edge students will travel down to The Avenue at Medina on East Smith Road. We will meet at here at 6:15 p.m. and return at 7:40 p.m. We always need parent drivers. Call 330-722-7700 for more informa on. Permission forms are on the parish website.

Elementary Classes for Grades 1-5 on Thursday ele-mentary from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.: There will be no classes this Thursday, December 31, due to Christmas break. Stu-dents will return on Thursday, January 7, from 6:15 to 7:45 p.m.

Eucharist Sacrament Information 2016: Parent and Student Nights of Instruction: Parents, please email your choice of one of these nights for you and your student to attend to sbrooks@sfxmedina.org. Meet-

ings will take place in the church: Tuesday evening, January 19, from 6:45 to 8 P.M. Friday evening, January 22, from 6:45 to 8 P.M. Tuesday evening, January 26, from 6:45 to 8 P.M. Friday evening, January 29, from 6:45 to 8 P.M. If you have any questions please feel free to call 330-722-7700 or 330-764-8961.

Jan. 21-22, 2016 — March for Life Washington, DC Lend your voice to those who cannot speak for themselves as thousands from across the country meet in support of the un-born. For more information, call 330-725-4968, e-mail sfxlifeteen@gmail.com or visit xavierlifeteen.com for more information.

Summer 2016 — June Vaca on Bible School

Students age 4 through Grade 5 Vaca-on Bible School is Coming! An ex-

ci ng summer event “Barnyard Roundup: Jesus Gathers Us Together” the week of June 13th through 17th Forms will be available the end of April. Adult help is always needed. Our first planning mee ng will be February 16th at 7:00 P.M.

Edge Summer Camp 1 & 2 This year we are invi ng our 6th, 7th and 8th graders from the 2015-2016 school year to a end the Edge Summer Service camp. Camp 1 is June 20-24. Camp 2 is June 24, and June 27-30. The camp size is limited to 25 students. Forms will be available the middle of April.

LifeTeen Winter Ac vity—ice ska ng together as a group.

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Calling 5th grade students and older! New Altar Server Commitment Forms are availa-ble through SFX Day School, Parish School of Religion, and in the parish office. Visit sfxmedina.com/parish for online registra-tion. Training begins in January.

Inviting all men age 18 and older… If you’re interested in helping those in need, serving your parish, growing in your faith or having access to top-rated insur-

ance protection for your family, the Knights of Co-lumbus is the organization for you. The Knights are a band of brothers are dedicated to core virtues of Charity, Unity, Fraternity and Patriotism. Our Coun-cil is actively involved in parish events and financial-ly supports numerous organizations in Medina (especially Camp Paradise which serves individuals with developmental disabilities.) By calling Fr. Thom you will be connected to a Knight who can provide you more information.

Make your good marriage a great marriage and enrich your family! Enrich your marriage by participating in a Worldwide Marriage Encounter Weekend. The next Marriage Encounter Weekend will be held in Hudson at the Clarion Inn and Conference Center on February 12-14. Fr. Thom can provide further infor-mation as he is a presenter. Applications are available at www.GreatMarriagesOhio.org or call 330-305 -9963.

House Blessings –Feast of the Epiphany “They were overjoyed at seeing the star, and on en-

tering the house, found the child with Mary his mother.” (Matthew 2:10)

Next weekend, each family will be invited to take an envelope with a prayer of blessing and chalk. It is of our Catholic tradition to offer a prayer of blessing and marking the doorpost with the initials of the three kings. May our homes be filled with “star” light so that we too can find Christ in our families and all who visit our homes.

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ST. FRANCIS XAVIER

Kalahari Getaway and Fundraiser: Mark your calendars for Thursday, Feb. 11 (no school for SFX on Friday). For $119, you get a room with two queen beds and four waterpark passes. $10 from each room will be donated to the SFX 8th Grade Washing-ton DC Parent-Sponsored Trip. Anyone can take advantage of this rate, so please pass this information to family and friends.

For reservations, call 1-877-525-2427. For questions but NOT RESERVATIONS, call Germaine Wilson at 330-241-1328.

Date: Friday, January 29

Time: 7:00—10:00 p.m.

Location: Rustic Hills Country Club 5399 River Styx Road

Cost: $40 per person ($45 at the Door) * Reserved Tables of 10 will be sold for $375 in one transaction only at the SFX Rectory Office or via the form included indicating 10 seats at $37.50 per ticket.

* Purchase tickets at the rectory office (checks only), both Medina Buehler’s locations, US Mail, or SFX school mail c/o Paul Budi, Room

#208. Pre-sold tickets available until Tuesday, January 26

SFX 10TH ANNUAL “WINES OF THE WORLD” WINE TASTING

Leisurely taste over 60 wines from around the world complemented by

cheese, crackers and light appetizers. Also enjoy select beers and microbrews.

Markyourcalendars!TheMarriageMinistryalongwithFr.ThomKowatchareinvitingmarriedcouplestoBELOVED-FindingHappinessinMarriage.

ThroughtheuseofDVDpresentationsandcouplediscus-sions,eachsessionisdesignedtohelpcouplesdiscoveroraf irmtheprofoundimportance,meaning,purposeandbeautyoftheSacramentofMarriage.Thesix-weekpro-gramBELOVEDwillbeginThursday,January7,2016at7:45-9:00pm.MeetingintheXavierRoom.PleaseRSVPtoPete&MaryKRakytiak216-346-0415ortherectory330-725-4968.

St. Francis Xavier 2016 Events January 9 ‘Joyfully Gifted’ Parish Retreat January 29 Annual Wine Tasting-Rustic Hills January 31 Catholic Schools Week Open House March 5-6 Men’s Renewal April 2 Pre-Cana May 5 National Day of Prayer May 9-12 Parish Mission with Fr. Larry May 28 Parish Day of Service June 13-17 Vacation Bible School June 20-24 Edge Camp I June 24, 27- 30 Edge Camp II September Stewardship Commitment Month October 15-16 Women’s Renewal

From Atheism to Catholicism: My Conversion Story by Jen-nifer Fulwiler Jennifer Fulwiler is a popular writer and speaker from Aus-tin, Texas. In this compelling presentation, she recalls her spiritual journey--one which ultimately led her to enter the Catholic Church after having lived a life of atheism. Jennifer is a regular contributor to the National Catholic Register and frequently appears on Catholic radio and EWTN. She chron-icles her experiences of faith and family life on her popular blog, ConversionDiary.com. People are saying: “An incredibly honest and open search for the truth.” “It touched me deeply...Jennifer’s story brings Jesus’ words to life in a powerful way.”

8 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish December 27, 2015

Pray for all military

Francie Anderson Ralph Anderson

Rita Andrich Dan Avila

Jude Ballinger Becky Barker John Benson

Maxine Bergdorf Faith Berger Claire Bevec Flo Boehme Sue Boyne

Diane Marie Carlson Kathy Cartier

Harold C. Casey Danny Colonna

Kathleen Cunningham Pauline Czajka George Davis Steve Delap

Elizabeth Diamond Evan Dolinar

Charlotte Draper Billie Duta

Ava Joy Eastlake Lynda Erickson Joan Fleischer

Joseph Fleischer Agnes Francisco John Francisco Bobby Fusco

Rhettec Galaska Roz Ganzer

Casey Gardner Jacob Gaume Arlena Gibson

Kerry Grimm Dick Groden Barb Grygier Del Guerra Mike Harris

Bill Haumesser Trent Heider Vivian Heim Camden Heil

Charlotte Heil Savannah Heil

Judy Hering Aria Ireland

Mark Jablonowski Marvin Johnson Charline Karsnak

Mary Keith Deborah Kitson

Mary Kneale Karl Kopczynski

Andrew Korduba Ruth Kowatch

Brenda Kutcher Ruth Lancki

Phyllis Lapeus Steven Lastuka Dave Leidecker

Jerry Liechty Flordeliza Madrilejos Mary Ann Makowski

Aaron Markiewicz James M. McDonald

Lou McDonald Lois McFadden Alexa Meyers

Walter Mikulski, Jr. Dixie Mitchell

Marcy Nero Robbie Neura John Neuwar Mary Neuwar

Rita Novak Lisa Owen

Nathaniel Plasco Richard Pryatel

Bill Ripple Rea Ripple

Chelsea Ross Mark Rudolph

Mimi Russ Richard Russ

Ed Scherer Marlene Seredick

Melissa Sickle Beth Sielski

Lorrie Sirocky M. J. Sirocky Judy Siwik Jean Smith

Marie Starck Richard Stiver

Faith Szczipinski Janet Taranto

Mackenzie Taylor Terry Thorpe

Carolyn Vasko Lacey Vickers Celene Wallen

Robert Williston Roney Wilson

Joseph Wimmer Wendy Wimmer Kathy Witkowski

Helen Yakubik

May God heal our sick and suffering

David M. Campbell Peter G. Chand

Ryan P. Cox Wyatt Fields

Nicholas Glenbocki Dan Haggerty

Brandon Hamilton Alex Hicar Kayla Lane Taylor Lane

Reinhard Nann Jonathan Podrasky

Jared Ross Erica Sachleben Taylor Salmons Jeffrey Simko Daniel Smith

David Tagliaferro David Vanik

Aaron Virkler Robert Weiler

Joseph Wimmer J. Matthew Zweifel

Joseph Zweifel

If you would like to add a name to the list of active-duty military, e-mail sfxbulletin@sfxmedina.org or call the rectory office.

If you would like to place a name on the list of those in need of prayer, please contact the rectory office, or e-mail sfxbulletin@sfxmedina.org.

10 St. Francis Xavier Catholic Parish December 27, 2015

PASTOR’S PAGE I hope that you all had a blessed celebra on of the Lord’s Na vity this week. I would like to thank all of those who helped us to celebrate with beau ful singing, music, Christmas trees, wreaths and poinse as. It takes a lot of

me and energy to prepare and to get everything ready. I appreciate the generosity of people with their me and tal-ents at an already busy me of year. Thank you to all who helped over at the Medina High School Performing Arts Cen-ter for the Christmas Vigil there. This weekend we contemplate the Holy Family….Jesus, Mary and Joseph and ask their prayers for our families. The last few weeks have focused my a en on rather sharply on the gi of my own family and how it was guided by my Grandmother. She had a severe heart a ack on the Thurs-day, December 10, and died the fol-lowing Tuesday. We had her funeral Monday at her parish, St. Mary, in Bedford. My uncle presided, and he asked me to preach. It was an honor and a challenge. I am profoundly grateful to her for having lived such a full, simple and generous, faith-filled life. I can s ll remember a me when our family did not pray grace before meals, but we would when Grandma was there. She is also the one who would find the Church while we were on vaca on. She was a marvelous cook in her prime days. Going through boxes of pictures in prepara on for the wake allowed us to laugh, cry, and to tell stories. It’s s ll a lot to take in.

So be with your family over these holidays, in all of its good and struggles and try to be present to each other and to appreciate the blessing of family me. And as the Pope will probably remind us, our families should be focused outward to those who are alone, sick, suffering and far from home to include them in our own gatherings. In doing this we imitate the Holy Family united in love and faith! Have a blessed week.

Father Tony

Attention Engaged Couples Engaged couples who have set a 2016 wedding date are invited to participate in a one-day prepara-tion program. A Pre-Cana Day is an invitation to couples to deepen their faith and become more aware of the presence of Christ in their relationship. Through a series of presentations and couple reflec-tion, engaged couples affirm the strengths of their relationships and explore areas of possible growth. St. Francis Xavier will present a Pre-Cana Day on Saturday, April 2. Please call Jo Ann and Rodney at 330-421-7974 or Rodney@JJAR.BIZSFX

232850 St. Francis Xavier Church Medina, Ohio 232850.D27 For questions, please contact Rhonda McKinnon 330-861-8493 rmckinnon@sfxmedina.org