PARISH INFORMATION MARRIAGE: Contact the Parish office at (916) 452-0296 6 months prior to the wedding date. Marriage Prepara on classes are available. INFANT BAPTISM: Contact the Parish Office. Parents and godparents must a end class. ANOINTING OF THE SICK: Contact the Parish Office regarding sick, elderly who are at home, hospitals or special care facili es. MUSIC: For Music Ministry, call Ben (916) 383-6155 RCIA: Process for adults and children of cateche cal age who are interested in joining the Catholic Church and bap zed Catholics wan ng to complete their ini a on sacraments of Confirma on and Eucharist. Please call Michelle Mills at (916) 806-6876 CFF: Catholic youth are formed through the Parish Faith Forma on Program (CFF). Cindy Blecha (916) 826-1328 BULLETIN: Our church bulle n is prepared two weeks in advance. All submissions are reviewed by the Pastor. Email requests to traci@stmarysacto.org no later than the Thursday two weeks before.

ST. MARY SCHOOL To enroll in Preschool or TK to 8th grade,

please contact principal, Laura Allen at the school (916) 452-1100 or find more informa on on our

website www.saintmaryschool.com

MASS SCHEDULE Sunday 8:00, 9:30, 11:00am, and 6:00pm

Daily Mass: Monday - Saturday 8:00am; Saturday 5:00pm (Vigil Mass)

Holy Days: As announced in bulle n CONFESSION : Saturday: 3:30pm-4:30pm

Or by appointment PASTOR: Fr. Antony Vadakara, CMI

frantony@stmarysacto.org DEACONS: Deacon Luigi Del Gaudio, MSW

deaconlu@stmarysacto.org Deacon George W. Kriske

deacongeorge@stmarysacto.org BUSINESS MANAGER: Tracilyn Peters

Email: traci@stmarysacto.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:00 am-4:00 pm

INFANT MARY CHAPEL Open Daily 6:30 am-5:00 pm

Solemn Adora on: First Fridays 8:30 am-6:00pm PARISHIONER REGISTRATION: contact parish office

ST. MARY PARISH 1333 58th Street, Sacramento, CA 95819

Phone: (916) 452-0296 www.stmarysacto.org

FOLLOW OUR PARISH

Prayerful greetings from Father Joseph Kuzhichalil I am the new parochial vicar of St Mary Parish. I am grateful to all of you and Reverend Father Antony for welcoming me to this beautiful parish of Saint Mary. I am writing a small note about me as requested by Father Antony. I was born in a very traditional oriental Catholic family of Kerala , India as the seventh child of the family with eight siblings. My youngest brother George died at the age of six and I happened to be the youngest of the 7 siblings. My mother, Anne died at the age of 65 in 1977 and my father, Joseph died at the age of 90 in the year 1998. One of my sisters is a nun and I have a few cousins as priests and nuns. My eldest sister is 86 years old and she is very sick and bedridden for the last three years. The other two sisters are retired teachers and my two brothers are also retired school teachers and principals. I have 14 nephews and nieces and so many grand nephews and nieces. After my high school, I joined the Carmelite seminary and I had my first profession in 1971. I took my BA from Christ University Bangalore and MA from Bangalore University in 1976. My major was Economics. I got B.Ph and B.Th in Philosophy and Theology from Dharmaram Vidya Kshetra Bangalore and I was ordained a priest on May 11, 1981. The CMI Congregation sent me for higher studies and I received my Ph. D in Economics from Fordham University New York, USA. About my ministries I will write in the next bulletin. Thank you all and God bless you all, Fr Joseph Kuzhichalil, CMI

Flu season and the suspension of the cup and other precautions

The flu season has come early this year. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) reports that the incidence of flu and flu-like illnesses is “widespread” and has reached a level requiring that we enact preventive measures to mitigate the possibility of infection at Mass. In order to protect the health and well-being of everyone, Bishop Soto has issued the following directives: • The use of the Communion cup is suspended temporarily. • Receive the Body of Christ in the hand (although receiving on the tongue is permitted) • Do not shake hands. Offer the sign of Peace to those around you with a simple nod, saying “peace be with

you.” • Do not hold hands during the Our Father. • Extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion are reminded to cleanse their hands with an alcohol-based

antiseptic before and after administering Holy Communion. This also applies to those who take Holy Communion to the

home-bound. The obligation to attend Mass on Sunday and other Holy Days does not apply to those who are sick. If you are sick, stay home and take of yourself. Thank you for your patience and understanding during this time. And pray for those who are sick. The administration of Holy Communion in both kinds will resume as soon as the Bishop deems it safe and prudent to do so.

Mass Intentions Requested By Saturday, December 7 8:00am Matthew Trujillo Trujillo Family 5:00pm Tony Andrade + Sister Sunday, December 8 8:00 am Joseph, Mary, Anthony & Robert DeStefano + Angelo J. DeStefano 9:30am Joseph Delgado + Socorro Luna Leila Gardner + Nancy Affinito 11:00am Michelle White Jim & Ginny Johnson 6:00pm For our Parishioners & Their Prayer Requests Monday, December 9 8:00am Donald Kassis + MaryKassis Tuesday, December 10 8:00am Mack White Jim & Ginny Johnson Juan Cervantes + Cervantes Family Wednesday, December 11 8:00am Erin Becker Susan Abdallah Thursday, December 12 8:00am Joseph Lobue+ Wife & Daughter Friday, December 13 8:00am Denis Tomassetti + Family Saturday, December 14 8:00am Sarah & Joseph Williams Anne Morell 5:00pm Bob Andrade + Sister Sunday, December 15 8:00am Al Franzoia + Wife & Family 9:30am Joseph Delgado + Erin Saenz 11:00am Tony Mattos + Ernie & Idamarie Barsotti & Family 6:00pm For our Parishioners & Their Prayer Requests

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Tuesday: Is 40:1-11; Ps 96:1-3, 10ac, 11-13; Mt 18:12-14 Wednesday: Is 40:25-31; Ps 103:1-4, 8, 10; Mt 11:28-30 Thursday: Zec 2:14-17 or Rv 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab; Jdt 13:18bcde, 19; Lk 1:26-38 or Lk 1:39-47, or any readings from the Common of the Blessed Virgin Mary, nos. 707-712 Friday: Is 48:17-19; Ps 1:1-4, 6; Mt 11:16-19 Saturday: Sir 48:1-4, 9-11; Ps 80:2ac, 3b, 15-16, 18-19; Mt 17:9a, 10-13 Sunday: Is 35:1-6a, 10; Ps 146:6-10; Jas 5:7-10; Mt 11:2-11

We Welcome the Following New Parishioners To Our Parish Family:

Derek & Linda Oliver

We encourage all new parishioners to

take a moment to register.

POSSIBILITIES Nothing is impossible for God and his Blessed Mother. —Don Bosco

Emerald Elaine Diaz Joaquin Dustin Reilly

Lana Rose Lowery Giacomo Dominic Lienert

Jesus Villeda

& Rosica Gomes

Special Collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious

Support aging religious. Our second collection is for the Retirement Fund for Religious. Many senior Catholic sisters, brothers, and religious order priests served for little or no pay. Today, religious communities often do not have enough savings to meet retirement needs. Your gift helps provide medications, nursing care, and more for tens of thousands of elderly religious. It also helps ensure younger members can continue the good works of their elders. Please be generous.

LECTORS NEEDED Our Parish is in need of Lectors for weekend and daily liturgies. Lectors proclaim the word of God and is a wonderful ministry. Lector training is provided that includes a review of the revised Lector Directives, handouts and a "hands-on" reading at the Ambo. Once training is completed, the Lector is commissioned by the Priest and placed in the reading schedule. Lectoring enriches one's faith and provides a better understanding of the word of God. All Mass readings are available: Saturday, 5:00 pm, Sunday, 8:00 am, 9:30 am, 11:00 am and 6:00 pm. If you have a gift of good speaking and a willingness to share that gift please contact the Lector Chair, Dale Walton, at (916) 920-2728.

Are you unable to come forward to receive communion? If you or a family member are disabled or not feeling well, please ask one of the ushers prior to Mass that you need a Eucharistic Minister to come to your seat. Also, you may sit in the baptistry area on the right front side of the church and a Eucharistic Minister will come to you.

The Rite of Christian Initiation of Adults

Do you have questions about the Catholic faith? Are you thinking about becoming Catholic?

Are you Catholic but never completed the Sacraments of Initiation (Confirmation and/or Eucharist)?

If you or someone you know has questions like these, contact Michelle Mills at 916-806-6876 for more information about the RCIA process.

JUSTICE AND OBEDIENCE Justice is the insurance we have on our lives, and obedience is the premium we pay for it. —William Penn, English Quaker

THE LONG-AWAITED ONE As the Sundays of Advent unfold the scriptures shift focus from the final coming of the Lord to his historical birth. Today’s scriptures blend the two. Isaiah’s disillu-sionment with the kings of his own day led him to envi-sion an ideal king who would rule with divine approval and be led by divine wisdom. For centuries the Jewish people anticipated the arrival of that Messiah, who would usher in a blessed age when the whole world would final-ly dwell in justice and peace. After centuries of such growing expectation, the preaching of John the Baptist about the imminent arrival of the Messiah could not help but provoke intense interest. The Baptist’s message about preparation for “the one who is coming” (Matthew 3:11) makes clear that Jesus is, in fact, the long-awaited one who is ushering in the new age foretold by Isaiah and all the prophets. Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

12/8/19 Altar Society Boutique & Bake Sale RCIA Family Mass Children’s Liturgy of the Word Parish Baptisms Catholic School Majorettes Life Teen Meeting 12/9/19 Divine Mercy Chaplet Prayer Request Group 12/10/19 RCIA Liturgy Committee Meeting School Parent Club Board Meeting St. Mary Adult Recreational Basketball 12/11/19 Centering Prayer Group Choir Practice CFF Stewardship Committee Meeting 12/12/19 Choir Practice Cub Scout Pack 128 Meeting 12/13/19 Divine Mercy Chaplet Anna Ministry Meeting 12/14/19 Confessions 12/15/19 SCHOOL SANTA’S WORKSHOP RCIA Children’s Liturgy of the Word Catholic Schools Majorettes

OUR MISSION STATEMENT St. Mary Parish prepares and sustains its members and

guests for a life and eternity in the presence of God. In accomplishing our mission, we proclaim and

celebrate our salvation through Jesus Christ enlivened by the Holy Spirit, nourish our sacramental life

especially in the Sunday celebration of the Eucharist and demonstrate our faith worshiping, educating,

serving and encouraging vocations.

THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!! Thank you to Dorothy Cruz for volunteering to help out in the parish office last week. Your help is truly and greatly appreciated!!

Centering Prayer Are we a truly Christ-centered people?

“Without an abiding relationship with God, it is difficult to live an authentic and consistent Christian life.” - Pope Francis Come join the Centering Prayer Group every Wednesday at 9:45– 11:30am in the Holy Spouses Room on the ’M’ Street side of the church. 9:45am- Gathering 10:00am– Reading and meditation 11:00am– Fellowship with refreshments “Let the Spirit speak to your heart.” - Pope Francis For more information, call Maxine at 916-383-1142

THE GIFT OF TREASURE With gratitude for the gifts they have received,

Parishioners and visitors made a joyful return to the Lord of the following:

December 1, 2019

Weekly Collection (including EOP) :$7,602.91* Weekly Goal (to cover expenses): $13,000.00

Please remember St. Mary’s,

your Spiritual Home, in your will. *This amount only represents weekly Sunday Mass

collections. Other sources of income (i.e. donations, building fund, etc.) are not included in this number.

Altar Society News Unlike many Altar Society Groups in other parishes that are getting older, we at St. Mary are getting YOUNGER. We are not afraid to change and are open to new ideas and new members. This year we will have a catered Christmas luncheon on Tuesday 12/17/19 at 11:30 in the home of Michelle Mills. The cost of admission will be a pair of socks to be donated for the needy at Loaves & Fishes. Each pair of socks donated will earn you a better chance of winning the raffle prize. Sounds like a kind idea & lots of fun for our group, the Altar Society Members. JUST A FEW REMINDERS - 1. Our Annual Christmas Boutique & Bake Sale will be held in the Church Hall Sunday 12/8/19 before & after all morning Masses..(Hint-- for the best selection SHOP EARLY) Remember we are hosting the Coffee/Tea/Juice while you are shopping !!! 2. Our January meeting will be on Tuesday 1/21/2020 at 10:00 in the Holy Spouses Room following a Mass celebrated in the Chapel by Father Antony. Susan & Martha will be our hostesses and we will be collecting our membership dues of $15.00. 3. Thanks to Shirley who cared for the Linens in December & Jennifer who will take on that responsibility in January. Thank you also to Barbara & Grace who provided our delicious refreshments for the November meeting.

Advent Giving Tree It’s that time again for the Advent Giving Tree which benefits homeless women and children at Maryhouse. Various needed items such as diapers, fast food gift cards, etc. are listed on ornaments on the tree in the vestibule of the church. Be sure to take one and return your gift unwrapped. Your generosity is greatly appreciated! Any questions? Please contact Joanie at 916-451-4559.

ST. MARY’S 21st ANNUAL PARISH CHRISTMAS CAROLING

Once again, this year St. Mary’s will go Christmas caroling as one big family. Bring your family and your friends. Experience the joy of bringing happiness to others as well as yourselves. Carol booklets will be made available to all. We’ll meet inside the new Mercy General Chapel at 6:45pm on Friday, December 20th. We will be caroling to all those stuck in the hospital on Christmas Weekend. Whether you sing off-key or in harmony we want you to join us and share in this powerful ministry of music. Directions: heading West on J Street take a right at the Red Emergency sign (right before 39th Street. As you drive you’ll see the new Chapel (stained glass windows) down on your right. Continue on to the parking garage or park where you can. We’ll meet just inside the new Chapel. For more information, call Ben at 383-6155.

ST. MARY COMMUNITY CHRISTMAS CAROLING – SUN. DEC. 22

All parishioners are invited to join us for Christmas Caroling and spreading good cheer in East Sacramento on Sunday December 22nd at 6 PM at the Corti Brothers Parking Lot, 5810 Folsom Blvd (at 59th St). Please bring small flashlights and dress accordingly. Refreshments will be served.

My name is Lanni Butterworth and I am the new President of the St. Vincent de Paul conference of St. Mary Parish. Thanks to the generous donations and effort of St. Mary School, our members were able to provide 22 families with a Thanksgiving meal. We use 99.9% of all the donations we receive on the fifth Sundays of the month, to provide financial assistance to our clients. If you know of someone in need, have him or her call us at (916) 476-8481 or stmarysvdp@outlook.com Consider coming to our next meeting on Wednesday, January 8, 2020 at 6:30 p.m. in Giovanni Hall and discover the fellowship of our team in serving those in need- both physically and spiritually. St. Vincent de Paul Society is continuing to collect non-perishable, non-expired food for our pantry. Whenever a home visit is made for assistance, bags of food are also delivered to the family. When money is short, often food is cut back to accommodate other bills. Please help up stock the pantry so families can be fed. Below is a list of food items most needed at this time:

Canned meat Pasta sauces Breakfast cereal Fruit Peanut butter Jelly Boxed pasta meals Rice

Thank you for helping us care for those in need.

LIFETEEN IN DECEMBER

Sun. Dec. 8 - LifeNight after 6pm Mass in the Hall Sat. Dec. 14 - Service Project All high school teens are welcome. For details, send an email to lifeteen@stmarysacto.org.

Altar Servers Needed Calling all parish students interested in altar serving: Are you an entering fifth grader or older? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to altar serve for Mass? Are you looking for a way to serve YOUR parish? We would like to invite you to become an altar server! Training will be provided in October. St. Mary School students will have training during school. Students from other schools will have training on an evening or weekend. Please contact Ava Conlin at 760-809-7932 (call or text) or ava_conlin@yahoo.com

Thank you to those who have already made a gift to the 2019 Annual Catholic Appeal. Your gift will make a difference in someone’s life. As of May 31, 2019, 245 parishioners have participated this year at our parish totaling $42,585 in gifts and

pledges. If you have not yet made a donation, it’s not too late! Prayerfully consider a gift. No contribution, no act of charity is ever too small or insignificant. Envelopes are still available in the parish office. Don’t forget...25% of what you give is returned to our parish. This year. Appeal funds will be used for Tuition Assistance for St. Mary School and our parish St. Vincent de Paul Chapter.

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