Nativity Mary 313 E. WALL S TREET • JANESVILLE, WISCO NSI N 53545 -3047

December 31, 2017 • The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

Rectory 313 E. Wall Street Janesville, WI 53545-3047 Phone ...............................(608) 752-7861 Father Rob Butz ……. (608) 620-9910 Fax .....................................(608) 758-0720 Website.............. www.nativitymary.org Pastor ............................. Rev. Robert Butz Email: pastor@nativitymary.org

Dir. of Liturgy ........................... Bob Craig Email: liturgy@nativitymary.org Coord. Religious Ed ...Kathy Hookham Email: re@nativitymary.org Business Manager ..... Arwen Twitchett Email: accounts@nativitymary.org Parish Secretary ..……....Sharlet Collins Email: psec@nativitymary.org

St. Mary School 307 E. Wall Street Janesville, WI 53545-3047 Phone ...............................(608) 754-5221 Principal .......................... Matthew Parish Secretary ………………...Sue Vodak & Sue Dickman

Religious Education Phone ...............................(608) 752-7861

Prayer Network Mary Ann Venable…..(608) 754-5284 Edna Thorp…………….(608) 752-5559

Nativity of Mary ................ Sat. 4:30 pm Sun. 8:30 & 10:30 am

St. Patrick ............................. Sat. 4:00 pm

St. John Vianney ............... Sat. 5:00 pm Sun. 8:15 & 9:45 am

St. William ........................... Sat. 4:00 pm Sun. 8:00 & 10:30 am

St. Mary - Milton ............... Sat. 4:00 pm Sun. 9:00 am

We, the Catholic family of Nativity of Mary, are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be disciples of Jesus Christ. Through worship, the sacraments, fellowship, evangelization and outreach, we will share the word of Christ in our community. -Mission Statement

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News & Notes School News

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Money Matters

St. Mary School

Money Counts for 2017-2018

Received Budgeted Variance

Week 25

12-18-2017 15,601.32 16,206.91 -605.59

YTD $294,073.79 329,439.44 -35,365.65

From the desk of Father Rob …….

SCRIP puts your regular shopping dollars to work supporting your parish and school with over fifty retailers ….. grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, department stores, hardware stores, movie theaters, spas and more!

SCRIP cards are always available in the school office and after Mass twice per month ….. this weekend, January 6th/7th and 20th/21st.

Thank you for supporting your parish and school!

SCRIP REMINDER

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all the students and staff at St. Mary’s School! The students and staff are on a well-deserved break until January 3rd

when classes will resume. Parishioners, thank you so incredibly much for your support of the SCRIP program. You have purchased more than $10,000 worth of SCRIP throughout the Advent Season – thank you!! This money will go towards maintain-ing the exterior of the building, which is in need of repairs. Thank you for supporting this program and your continued support of the school! Upcoming Events: 1/3: Classes Resume 1/3: School Mass – all welcome! 8:15am

1/5: St. Mary’s Tiny Tots (Mommy & Me Class) at 9:00 1/10: School Mass – all welcome! 8:15am

1/12: Youth Group (6-8)

It is hard to believe that we begin a new year this week! On behalf of the staff and myself, I want to wish you all a blessed 2018.

Family Prayer for the New Year

God, thank you for a new year. May everyone in our family be willing to begin anew with a clean slate. We know that you are always ready to forgive us. Help us to be willing to forgive ourselves and to forgive one another.

As we begin a new year, remind us of our truest values and our deepest desires. Help us to live in the goodness that comes from doing what you want us to do. Help us to put aside anxiety about the future and the past, so that we might live in peace with you now, one day at a time.

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The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph

When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom; and the favor of God was upon him. - Lk 2:39-40

************************************************************** "When they had fulfilled all the prescriptions of the law of the Lord, they returned ... to their own town of Nazareth." Mary and Joseph were faithful Jews who followed the norms of their religion. Today's Gospel describes the event we call "The Presentation." Jesus' parents, like every Jewish family, presented their infant son to the Lord in a formal ceremony at the temple in Jerusalem. Having done what their religious rites required (and having heard the prophetic words of Simeon and Anna), Mary and Joseph returned home. It was back in their native region of Galilee, amidst the daily routine of domestic life, that Jesus "grew and became strong, filled with wisdom." As Christians, we too consecrate our children to the Lord when we have them baptized in the Church. Seeing our children receive this sacrament of initiation is always a moment of great joy and hope as we anticipate the life that lies ahead for them, both on earth and in eternity. But the baptism of a baby is only the beginning of this journey towards heaven. In truth, the little daily details, the simple living of family life in our own home paves the way for our children to reach their eternal home. And so it was with the Holy Family. Jesus' childhood, his formation and development took place not primarily amidst the public drama of the temple, but in the quiet privacy of his home. How important this home was, where his parents raised him in their faith and helped him live in such a way that "the favor of God was upon him." May we too, in our homes and our families, remember that although our mission may be lived out in very small moments, taken together they have an eternal significance.

Scripture Focus on Faith

Readings for Sunday, December 31, 2017 The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 / Col 3:12-21 / Lk 2:22-40

Readings for Next Sunday, January 7, 2017 The Epiphany of the Lord Is 60:1-6 / Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6 / Mt 2:1-12

Please Pray For Our Parishioners:

Barbara Allen, Bill, Bill Bever, Noah Cotter,

Jeanette Durant, Linda Fredell,

LeeAnn Gilligan, Gerri, Jackie H., Geraldine Hilt,

Alice Jensen, Robert McCann, Cory Musil,

Brenda Porter, Max Rammer,

Madelynn Schieve, Colleen Schroeder,

Kelly Dooley Trewartha, Peter Weirich,

Lola Williams, Avalon Widner, Lucille Willegal

Sacraments

Anointing of the Sick:

Infant Baptism: Registered members of the parish are welcome to arrange for their baby’s baptism by signing up for the necessary preparation program for parents.

RCIA Please call anytime if you would like to discuss Catholicism and see how joining the Church may offer you a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ.

Catholic Women’s Club Contact Jan Bier at 752-4387 for more information.

Knights of Columbus Meetings held 2nd Thursday of the month at 7:30 pm. Contact Greg Kraft at 754-5615 for more information.

Bulletin Deadline Fridays at 12:00 noon. Please contact the Rectory at 752-7861.

Traveling Chalice

This week the Traveling Chalice

will be hosted by Jan Royce.

Any questions regarding our Traveling Chalice program may

be directed to: Colleen at 868-6386 OR

irishcatholic56@gmail.com.

Rita Davis was recently called to eternal life.

Please remember her, and all who mourn the loss of a loved one, in your prayers.

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What’s Happening

Taize’ Prayer A big THANK YOU

to all who donated toys or cash to the ECHO TOY Drive. You helped to provide a

Christmas for children in need.

The new “Dare to Dream Book Club” meets in January on Thursday the 4th at 6:30 PM in the Church Hall. Our first title will be “Beautiful Mercy: Experiencing God’s Unconditional Love So We Can Share It with Others.”

Please call Kathleen Hookham 608-752-7861 or email re@nativitymary.org or Colleen Szerlong at 608-608-6386 or cszerlong@gmail.com.

Save the Date!

The Catholic Women’s Club annual Time for Reflection:

Cluster Women’s Retreat will be held on Saturday, Febru-

ary 10. Our speaker will be Julie Rudnick, author of the

“Sacred Intercession Prayer Journal.” The topic of the day

will be “I Am the Vine, You Are the Branches” An Invitation

to Intimacy and Intercession. More information will be sent

out later. Mark it on your calendars now!

Taize’ Prayer began in the little community of Taize’, France during the 1940s following the destruction of World War II. A group of religious men sought to create an ecumenical form of prayer that would foster reconcil-iation and peace among all people.

Today, Taize’ Prayer is celebrated throughout the world, bringing Christians of all traditions together to sing, to hear God’s words in Scripture, and to listen in silence for God’s voice in their hearts.

In that spirit, we gather at St. Mary’s as we have since February 1998, to offer this prayer. You are invited to experience Taize’ Prayer here on the second Monday of each month at 7:00 PM. You will find it an opportunity to take a few moments from the busyness of your life and simply be in God’s presence.

Christmas is over, and now we can pause and savor the delights of the season and look ahead to a new year. Perhaps this is the time to make a difference in your prayer life. If you have thought about participating in Taize’ Prayer but just haven’t made a commitment to do so, resolve that 2018 will be the year that you say “yes” to that invitation. Join us for Taize’ Prayer on Monday, January 8 at 7:00 PM. As always, our time together will be a chance to un-crowd our hearts and minds and refresh our spirits. Come and bask in the light of candles and the warmth of friendship, raise your voices in simple and prayerful songs, attend to God’s message in Scripture, and listen in silence for God’s voice in your heart.

Dates in 2018 for Taize’ Prayer (second Monday of every month):

January 8 July 9

February 12 August 13

March 12 September 10

April 9 October 8

May 14 November 12

June 11 December 10

Thank You For A

Beautiful Christmas.

A big THANK YOU to all who made our Christmas services so special this year.

The entire decorating committee once again ensured the church was beautiful. Their hard work and eye for detail was apparent.

All those who helped in ministry positions during our liturgies; your service is appreciated.

The members of our Choirs were exceptional by present-ing lovely prelude music prior to the 6 pm Mass on Christmas Eve and the 10 am Mass on Christmas Day. They then wonderfully lead the congregation in song and prayer during the service. They are an example of “true stewards of Christ” to share so much of their time and talent with us.

Finally, it wouldn’t have been a St. Mary's Christmas without our fantastic Young Voices choir. The kids worked very hard and did a great job.

A SPECIAL THANK YOU to the choir’s fine director, Laura Schuler, and, pianist, Ann Allen. And thanks to the parents who supported these fine young men and women.

For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord. Luke 2: 1-14

What’s Happening

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FROM: Ms. Carol Ambrose Mrs. Marsha Austin Mr./Mrs. Thomas Berner Mrs. Eleanor Bier Mrs. Rosemary F. Cash Miss Mary Casper Mrs. Maria Caya Mr./Mrs. John Collins Mrs. Sharlet Collins Mr./Mrs. JP Jimbo Condon Mrs. Helen Conway Mrs. Dolores M. Dilley Miss Tricia Dooley Mr. Richard Fay Mr./Mrs. Daniel Fellows Mr./Mrs. James Fowler III Mrs. Frances Groene Mr./Mrs. Carl Hahn Mr. Randall Hanssen & Mr. Robert Urquhart Mr./Mrs. P Michael Hanus Ms. Barbara Holcer Mr./Mrs. Charles Isackson Ms. Elizabeth Jordan Mrs. Virginia Kas

Thank you to ALL the parishioners who donated so generously toward our

Christmas decorations.

Those who gave in memory or in honor of

a loved one are listed below.

FOR: Elmer & Dorothy Ambrose Robert C. Austin Louis J. & Josephine Berner Louis M. & Mary D. Berner Al & Marion Berner Alfred Bier, Mary Ann Bier Margaret Fleming Frank & Cecelia Casper Margaret & Reuben Casper Cathy & Francis Felten Peter & Adela Felten Charles Steed Ed & Althea Steed Eva McNally, Paul McNally Tom Moccero Family Warren Collins Family Robert Warner Jr. Bob & Veronica Condon Martin R. Conway Catherine Conway Grebe Gerald Dilley Ray & Josie Lippens Barb & Leroy Drost Alice C. Dooley John F. Dooley, Vera Dooley DJ Gunn Mr. & Mrs. Leslie Fay Jean Fay, Vicki Lyn Fay Mary Marie Fay Wenzel Schneider Jr., Cecelia & Wenzel Schneider Sr. Jane Yahnke LeRoy Groene Marian Radecki Millie & Glen Hahn Jane & Bob Hanus Aunt Mary Lou Willard J. Wonka Lucille Wonka May Urquhart, Dan Buckner Robert P. Hanus Kathreen J. Hanus Bob Hanus, Mary Lou Judge Theresa & Harry Wolf, Ed Holcer, Larry Brandt Charlie Smith Rolf, Ruth, Ralph and Jerry Isackson Gert & Bruce Bell Kathy O’Brien Nick & Betty Quint Hartzell A. Kas

FROM: Mrs. Betty Klukas Mrs. Beverly Liston Mrs. Anne Lucey Mr./Mrs. Bradley Mair Mrs. Marlys Martelle Mrs. Mary McGuire Mrs. Ginny Mills Mr./Mrs. Robert Monson Mrs. Gladys Nally Dr. Thomas O’Connor Mr./Mrs. James Peterson Mrs. Mary Saxe Mr. Henry C. Schoeberle Mr./Mrs. Richard Schuler Mr./Mrs. Daniel Shanahan Mrs. Kathleen Steed Mr./Mrs. David Sudmeier Mr./Mrs. Daniel Swanson Mr./Mrs. Steve Thompson Mrs. Edna Thorp Mrs. Mary Ann Venable Mrs. Rosalind Voegeli Mrs. Patricia Wagner Mr./Mrs. William Waterbury Mrs. Jean Weaver Mr./Mrs. Robert C. Wirth Mrs. Ellen Yaucher Mrs. Beverly Zahn

FOR: Don Klukas, Alma Butler Howard Liston Richard Lucey Family John Lucey, Roger Beck Mary Lou Hainstock Thomas G. Mair John J. Prusansky Jim Martelle Ray & Alice Murphy John J. McGuire Marven Mauel Georgia Woodford Jim Nally Willard & Margaret O’Connor Robert & Dolores Coyne Melvin, Jean & Ron Peterson Paul & Gert Arner Carol Schoeberle Peter Schoeberle Bahr Family Schuler, Aversano, Maure and Olownik Families Linda Ehlers, Tom Shanahan Gloria Klaas Charles Steed, Paul & Eva McNally Frank Weix, Marie Weix Edward Sudmeier Dorothy Sudmeier Benny & Betty Marshall Don Swanson Frank & Mary Babcock Mary Pat Babcock Eugene Thorp Harold J. Boos, Myrtle Boos Harold E. Boos Joan Boos Mies Mary Heitsman Cheryl Kreger, Brenda Kreger Willis Kreger Gene Wagner, Ann Lucey Mary Lou Hainstock Ruth Clifford James & Mary Oakley Richard W. Severs Frusher and Wirth Families Robert L. Yaucher Sr. Daniel Zahn Robert & Janette Zahn Claire & Marilyn Kersten Shirley Steele

Mass Intentions = Living Sunday, December 31 8:30 AM Catherine Campion Negus—1 Year 10:30 AM Felisa Booc Monday, January 1 No Mass Tuesday, January 2 12:10 PM Richard McCann Wednesday, January 3 8:15 AM Roger Beck Thursday, January 4 8:15 AM Friday, January 5 8:15 AM Catherine Negus Saturday, January 6 4:30 PM Parishioners of Nativity of Mary Sunday, January 7 8:30 AM Alfred and Mary Ann Bier 10:30 AM Joan Wixom

ALL ACTIVITIES ARE OPEN TO MEMBERS

OF ANY PARISH IN THE CLUSTER

January 2 10:30 AM Faith Sharing, Nativity of Mary, Church Hall January 2 6-7 PM Adoration, St. John Vianney January 4 9 AM-3 PM Adoration, St. Patrick January 5 8:45-9:45 AM Holy Hour, Nativity of Mary January 5 9 AM - 2:30 PM Adoration, St. John Vianney, 2:40 PM Benediction January 6 5—7 PM Bingo, St. Patrick January 8 11:30 AM—2 PM Catholic Charities/SH Mobile Food Pantry, St. John Vianney, 11:30-12:30 Registration, 12:30-2 PM Food Distribution. All in need are welcome.

Cluster Corner

Parish Event Calendar

Tuesday, January 2 10:30 AM Faith Sharing Group, Church Hall 5:00-6:00 PM Reconciliation, Church Wednesday, January 3 5:45-7:00 PM Elementary Religious Ed, School 7:00 PM Choir Practice, Church 7:15-8:30 PM High School Religious Ed, School Thursday, January 4 6:30 PM “Dare to Dream” Book Club, Church Hall Friday, January 5 8:45-9:45 AM Holy Hour (Adoration), Church Saturday, January 6 9:30-10:30 AM Reconciliation, Church Sunday, January 7 9:30 AM Knights of Columbus Rosary, Church

New Year’s Day 1/1

Tuesday

Wednesday Thursday Friday

Saturday

Sunday 1/7

Nativity of Mary 12:10 pm 8:15 am 8:15 am 8:15 am 4:30 pm 8:30 & 10:30 am

St. John Vianney 9:00 am 5:15 pm 8:15 am 8:15 am 8:15 am 8:15 am 5:00 pm

8:15 & 9:45 am

St. Patrick 5:15 pm 8:05 am

8:05 am 8:05 am

4:00 pm

7:30 & 10:00 am 1:00 pm

en Español

St. William 9:30 am

4:00 pm

8:00 & 10:30 am

St. Mary’s Hospital Janesville

St. Elizabeth Nursing Home

7:00 am 3:30 pm 7:00 am 7:00 am 7:00 am 9:15 am

St. Elizabeth Manor Footville

9:15 am 9:15 am 9:15 am 9:15 am 9:15 am 11:00 am

Happy New Year! The parish office will be closed Monday, January 1st.