First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017

Prayer Corner

Today’s Gospel MK 13: 33—37

Santo Niño de Cebu Catholic Church 5655 Rigsby Avenue, San Antonio TX, 78222 (210)648-1705 (210)648- 5365 santo.nino.sa@gmail.com www.stonino.org

A gift for Jesus

Today we begin the Season of Advent. As we prepare for Christmas, of course we're thinking about how to show fondness and appreciation to the special people in our lives by choosing gifts that will be meaningful to them. And yet, assuming that we can actually find (or make) something that will be appreciated, will the gift really make a difference in the long run?

How many gifts have you given in the past that are now mere dust-collectors? Which ones turned out to be truly valuable with a long-lasting impact?

Since Christmas is the celebration of the birthday of Jesus, let's remember to give him a gift, too -- a long-lasting gift. God deserves more gifts than anyone else, but what can we give to someone who already has everything?

Or does he?

What gift can you give to Jesus that will have an eternal impact, a gift that no one else can give him, a gift he doesn't already

(Continued on page 2)

Our Mission:

The Santo Niño Catholic Church is a faith community where all are welcome to celebrate Catholic beliefs embellished by the best Philippine traditions. It is a dynamic parish responding to the spiritual needs of the community to fulfill its evangelical mission and to realize Christ’s call of making disciples of all nations. (Parish Pastoral Council, 21 April 2001)

Christoph Friedrich Blumhardt

Lord our God, we thank you for letting hosannas rise from people's hearts and for letting us cry out

to you all the more fervently in dark times.

Help us, O Almighty God, and help your king, Jesus Christ, to his final victory.

For he shall be victor, bringing grace, peace, life, and victory for all that is

good, on earth as in heaven. He shall be victor

at all times in our lives, enabling us to keep faith in trouble, fear, and need, yes, even in death. Hosanna to the victor, Jesus Christ, the victor you have chosen! O Almighty God, proclaim him on earth. Let all the people know he is on his way, to the glory of your

name. Amen.

J esus said to his disciples: "Be watchful! Be alert! You do not know when the time will come. It is like a man traveling abroad. He leaves home and

places his servants in charge, each with his own work, and orders the gatekeeper to be on the watch. Watch, therefore; you do not know when the Lord of the house is coming, whether in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or in the morning. May he not come suddenly and find you sleeping. What I say to you, I say to all: 'Watch!'"

Today’s Reflection

Image credit to Image Creator: Google search

The Santo Nino Choir will do house to house

Christmas Carols starting December 2, 2017. The

donations from the Christmas carols will go to our

Capital Project: RE classroom. If you want to have

caroling at your home call the office at (210)648-1705

for schedule.

have? Here's the answer: What have you been withholding from him? What talent or activity or ministry or commitment or change in lifestyle?

Today's first reading reminds us that God is our Father. The responsorial Psalm asks the Father to help us turn to him. The second reading gives thanks to God for all that he has done for us. So -- what gift can you give to God to express your appreciation for what he has given to you?

In the Gospel reading, we're reminded of the need to prepare -- to actually do something that makes a difference -- for the coming of Christ. This not only refers to his Second Coming; it's also about the day when he comes for us as we breathe our last earthly breaths. And it's about the way he wants to come to you during this year's Season of Christmas. And it's about the way he is coming to you right now, today.

There's something new that he wants to give you. When he offers it, will he find you doing what's right (as in the first reading)? Will he find you using your spiritual gifts (as in the second reading)? Will he find you alert and ready to do his bidding (as in the Gospel reading)?

Advent is an opportunity to take notice of the gifts

( Today’s Reflection continued from page 1)

First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017

(Please disregard the previous

calendar posted. These are the

updated dates for the month

of December.)

December 7—6 pm anticipated

mass for the Solemnity of

Immaculate Conception

December 8—Holyday of

Obligation: Friday mass

@ 12 noon for the

Solemnity of Immaculate

Conception.

December 12– Feast of Our

Lady of Guadalupe mass

@ 6 pm Spanish mass

December 15—23 Simbang

Gabi mass @ 7:30 pm.

December 23—Saturday 6 pm

Spanish mass

December 24—Sunday regular

mass @ 8 am, 10 am, 12

noon.

Christmas Eve Mass (12/24):

6 pm mass – Spanish

10 pm mass – English

Mass

Christmas Day Mass (12/25):

10 am mass – English

12 noon mass – Tagalog

December 30—Saturday 6 pm

Spanish Mass

December 31—Sunday regular

mass @ 8am, 10 am,

12noon.

New Years’ Eve Mass (12/31):

6 pm mass – Spanish Mass

10 pm mass – English

Mass

New Years’ Day Mass (1/1):

12 noon – English mass

Community Faith Sharing: Name some of the obvious ways that Jesus comes to us today. What are some unexpected ways that Jesus has revealed himself to you? What will you do this Advent to become more aware of Jesus coming to you? How will this make you more ready for Christmas?

© 2017 Terry Modica, Catholic Digital Resources, www.catholicdr.com. Printed by permission. To view or subscribe to daily Good News Reflections, visit www.gnm.org.

he gives us and become aware of the gifts we can give to him that he doesn't already have. It should make an eternal difference -- for him and for us.

Questions for Personal Reflection: List the gifts that God has given to you. Write them on a sheet of paper. Then think about how much appreciation you have given to God for the gifts on that list. Do you know how much he appreciates your appreciation?

Questions for Family or

PASTORAL EVANGELIZATION ACTIVITY:

“HOUSE BLESSING AND

BRINGING THE SANTO NIÑO TO YOUR HOMES”

Every parishioner is invited for the house blessings and

pastoral home visits. Don’t

miss this great opportunity.

If you are interested in

having Fr. Arnold Ibarra bless

your home and your family

please call the office at (210)

648-1705.

Your word is a lamp to my feet

and a light to my path. Psalm

119:105

DAILY READINGS (December 4—December 10, 2017)

DAY READING/S GOSPEL

MON 1st—IS 2:1-5 MT 8:5-11

TUE 1st—IS 11:1-10 LK 10:21-24

WED 1st—IS 25:6-10A MT 15:29-37

THU 1st—IS 26:1-6 MT 7:21, 24-27

FRI 1st—GN 3:9-15, 20 2nd—EPH 1:3-6, 11-12

LK 1:26-38

SAT 1st—IS 30:19-21, 23-26 MT 9:35–10:1, 5A, 6

-8

SUNDAY 12/10/2017

1st—IS 40:1-5, 9-11 2ND—2 PT 3:8-14

MK 1:1-8

Mass Intentions

WEEKEND MASS INTENTIONS

Sat.— 6:00 pm—1. For the soul of Charlie/Margie Graf, Delia Olney, and Yolanda Munoz; 2. Health of Francis Paiz, Maria and Luis Davila, Lupita Perez, Sr. Carmen, Sr. Esther, Manny Portillo, Juanita Garcia, Victor and Mila Sanchez; 3. Intentions of Rosa dela Garza and her family.

Sun. 8 am—1. Recovery of Dancie Grace Vieyra, 2. intentions of Robert and Nel Mendez, 3. Recovery of Adelina Soriano, Lolita Pepper, Sr. Lolita, Carmen Steele, Jacob Ponce and Helen Daley; 4. Soul of John Saunders, and Bob Lewis.

Sun. 10 am—1. For the soul of Dina Sorio. 2. intentions of the 2000 Hail Mary’s Devotion, Barbara and Keller family; 3. recovery of Adelina Soriano, Rosario Medina, Grace Eggert.

Sun 12 noon—. 1. Souls of Bill/June Lenhart, Delia Olney, and Shirley Manuel; 2. health of Dr. Tony dela Cruz, and Carmen Jaceldo; 3. recovery of Romy Gregorio.

Lord Hear our Prayers.

STEWARDSHIP (Collection) REPORT AND ATTENDANCE

Collection Last Sunday

November 25—26, 2017:

1st Collection ……………………….………………… $ 2,252.81

2nd Collection: Capital Proj RE classroom….. $ 524.27

Attendance ……………………………...……………………..376

Thanksgiving mass attendance………………………….. 70

Today’s Second Collection 12-3-2017

Capital Project : Religious Education Classroom

“Thank you for your goodwill and generosity.”

First Sunday of Advent December 3, 2017

Total Collected for R.E.

classroom project

$ 33, 971.93

$ 126,028.07 The road to take.

Religious

Education

Projected Cost

$ 160,000.00

Note: The project cost is subject to change depending on the

Construction cost and material cost of the project.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION CLASSROOM BUILDING PROJECT

COLLECTION AND FUNDRAISINGREPORT

AS OF NOV. 26, 2017

4

Our Devotions

Adoration, Rosary &

Novena: 5:00-6:00 PM M-F

Holy Spirit: Mondays

Divine Mercy/Holy Hour for

Vocation: Tuesday

Perpetual Help Novena:

Wednesdays

St. Jude Novena:

Thursdays

Santo Niño Novena: Fridays

Sacred Heart: 1st Fridays

First Saturday of the

month:

2000 Hail Mary Devotion,

from 9:00 AM

Divine Mercy Devotion:

Sunday 3:00 – 4:00 PM

Parish Office/Business Hours:

Tuesday thru Friday: 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM

12 noon – 1:00 PM: Lunch Break

Schedule of Masses and other Services

Sundays: 8:00 and 10:00

AM, and 12 noon Bilingual Mass (English & hymns in

Filipino)

Saturdays: 6:00 PM (Spanish Mass) Daily Holy Eucharist:

M-F 6:00 PM

Confession: Mon-Sat 5:00 – 6:00 PM

Baptism: By appointment & Seminars is necessary

Confirmation:

11th to 12th grade Marriage: Please meet

with the Pastor one year in advance.

Counseling: By Appointment

Funeral: Please contact the Parish office before making

arrangements outside

OUR SERVANTS

ADMINISTRATION

Pastor – Rev. Fr. Arnold Ibarra, PhD Deacon - Arsenio Reyes

Office Volunteers: Martha Ponce, Francis Paiz, Annie Spencer,

Dora Mendez, Alicia Anaya

Business Coordinator – Anna Rose Nolasco Sacramental Records – Dr. Connie

Nepomuceno Safe Environment - Monette Reyes

Photographer – Henry Mendez Webmaster – Ed Candelaria

Property Manager – Robert Mendez

PASTORAL COUNCIL (2015-2018)

Chairperson: Regina Pino Vice Chair: Rene Jaceldo

Secretaries: Josie McCallister & Vicky Ortiz

Members:, Rene Jaceldo, Robert Mendez,

Irene Roberson, Nena Connor,

Alvaro Suarez, Raine Virginio, Armi Wallace, Bill Wolff & Patrick Wyrwich

FINANCE COUNCIL

Chairperson: Michael Roberson

(2015-2020) Members – Belma dela Cruz, Dr. Concepcion Nepomuceno

STEWARDSHIP COUNCIL

Chairperson: Jim Irwin Members: Regina Pino, Michael Roberson,

Belma dela Cruz, Suzette Saunders Dr Concepcion Nepomuceno

MINISTRIES

WORSHIP

Acolytes: Vicky Ortiz

Dévotion: Dr. Connie Nepomuceno Hospitality: TBD Lectors: Jill Lewis

Adult Choir: Helen Ona Youth Choir: Noel Casino Sacristan: Rita Cordova

Director of Altar Servers: Russel Cantu Wedding/Quincenera Coordinator:

Alicia Anaya & Annie Spencer

EVANGELIZATION

Religious Education Coordinator: Jet Licon

RCIA : Deacon Jun Reyes, Doris Garza, & Dr.

Connie

Family Life Apostolate: TBD

Guadalupana: Rosa dela Garza

ACTS and Vocation/Director of Liturgy: Deacon

Jun Reyes

Youth: Russell & Bernadette Cantu

SERVICE

Filipino Traditions: Pura Frierson Nutrition: Alma de Paz

Knights of Columbus : Grand Knight Christopher Anders

Social Concern : Joanne Jaceldo Stephen Ministry: Jill Lewis

Bill Lenhart Ministry: Charles Jordan

Santo Niño de Cebu Catholic

Church

Address: 5655 Rigsby Avenue,

San Antonio, Texas 78222 Phone: (210) 648-1705 Fax: (210) 648-5365

E-mail: santo.nino.sa@gmail.com

ANNOUNCEMENT

1. Rite of Christian Initiation of Adult (RCIA) is for adults or young children seeking to receive the sacraments of baptism, confirmation and Eucharist. Please contact the office at (210) 648-1705 for more information.

2. “Faith Seeking Understanding” bi-weekly class will end on December 2, 2017. The lecture is about the Old and New Testament.

3. Religious Education Christmas Party will be on December 17, 2017.

4. The Adult Choir is inviting all the parishioner to watch the Christmas Cantata on December 24 at 9 P.M.

5. Holy hour for vocation is every Tuesday from 5 pm and exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is every Monday to Thursday at 5 pm followed by Holy Mass at 6 pm.

6. For “house blessings and/or bringing the Santo Nino” schedule you can contact Ms. Josie at (210) 740-9410 or the office at (210)648-1705.

7. If you want or need an Spiritual Director service, call the office at (210)648-1705. The service is free.

9. Copies of your weekly bulletin can be downloaded on the internet at www.stonino.org/bulletins.

10. The Santo. Nino Church would like to thank the online donors. Please visit the www.stonino.org to those would like to donate online. Your donations are very much appreciated.

We would like to express our thanks to

those who give online. We would love to

see the number increase with this

program, please consider our online

donation.

If you want to give your tithes and donation online go to

our parish website at www.stonino.org

Online Giving