YEAR B

Father John F. Kelly, Pastor

Father Alvaro Pio Gonzalez Parochial Vicar

Charles Sukup, Deacon

Weekly Mass Schedule

Monday 8:30am Tuesday 6:00pm Wednesday 8:30am Thursday 6:00pm Friday 8:30am Saturday 4:00pm Sunday 9:00am 11:00am Español 5:00pm

St. Sylvester Catholic Church, 6464 Gulf Breeze Pkwy, Gulf Breeze, FL 32563

New Parishioners: Please register at the Welcome Table

in the vestibule after Mass or stop by the office.

Active Membership is determined by: Registration in the parish Faithful attendance at Sunday Mass and on Holy Days Support of the parish through time, talent

and treasure

Welcome! St. Sylvester Parish Office

Phone: 850-939-3020 FAX: 850-936-5366

Website: www.stsylv.org Email: saintsylv@stsylv.org

Bulletin Items: bulletin@stsylv.org Hours: Monday - Thursday

9:00am to 2:00pm

Religious Education Classes

Anointing of the Sick Call the parish office

Baptism Must have Baptism Preparation Class English classes on 2nd Sunday of each month Baptisms are on 3rd Sunday of each month

Text or call Erica Meyer, 850-978-2624 Email – englishbaptism@stsylv.org Spanish classes 1st and 2nd Sundays of each month Call Kenia Redondo 850-357-5087

Eucharistic Adoration and Benediction First Fridays - 6:00pm - 9:00pm 6pm Exposition and Silent Adoration 7pm Communal Prayer of the Office of the Blessed Sacrament 8pm Hispanic Holy Hour and Benediction

Marriage Arrangements Six months in advance; please call the office

Reconciliation English Saturday 3:00pm-3:30pm Spanish & English Sunday 4:30pm-5:00pm By appointment

Nursery Available during 9:00am & 11:00am Masses

Sacraments and Services

Children’s Liturgy of the Word (4-6 yrs. only) Sundays during the 9:00 or 11:00am Mass

No registration is required. The teacher will call the children to the front of the sanctuary before Mass begins, and they will return during the offertory.

Son Treasure Special Needs Liturgy/Class Sundays during the 9am Mass in Conference Rm 1

ROCK (1st-5th) Wednesday 6pm-7:15pm EDGE (6th-8th) Sunday 6pm-8pm LIFETEEN (9th-12th) Sunday 6pm-8pm ADULT FAITH FORMATION (AFF) Various days and times - Check bulletin or call parish office RCIC (4th-8th Grades) Wednesday 6pm-7:15pm RCIT (9th-12th Grades) Wednesday 6pm-7:15pm RCIA (Adult) Thursday 6pm-8pm

Sun Dec 17

9a 9a 11a 4p 4:3p 5p 6p

Son Treasure Sunday Mass Sunday Mass Spanish Choir Practice Reconciliation (Spanish & English) Spanish Mass EDGE and LIFETEEN

Mon Dec 18

8:3a 6p

Daily Mass Children’s Choir Practice

Tue Dec 19

9a 5:30p 6p 6:30p 7p

Women's Bible Study Fellowship Rosary Daily Mass Knights Officer Meeting Grupo Oracion

Wed Dec 20

8:3a 6:3p 7:3p

Daily Mass Choir Practice Guitar Practice

Thu Dec 21

6p

Winter begins Daily Mass

Fri Dec 22

8:3a Daily Mass

Sat Dec 23

3p 4p

Reconciliation Sunday Vigil Mass

Sun Dec 24

9a 11a 4p 7p 9p

Sunday Mass Sunday Mass Family Christmas Mass Spanish Christmas Mass Solemn Christmas Mass

WEEK AT A GLANCE

Mon 11a Christmas Morning Mass Dec 25

ATTENTION PLEASE: Any Bulletin announcements or ads for the Dec 31st’

Bulletin, need to be sent to the above e-mail address by DEC 20th, NO LATER!

The GREATEST GIFT of all.

For World Peace, For All God’s Children,

and the Sick:

Joe Aguyao, Zoe Allen, Ava Adkinson, Roberta Anderson, Rose Bachus, Laura Baker, Norka Balencia, Selena Barthe,

Pete Bayona, Kathy Benson, Beverly Blackwell, Sam Bonno, Dennis Boyce, Jerry Brandon,

Mark Broughton, Lanie Brewster, Bud, Linda Burgemeister, Bob Burns, Cathy Butler,

Friend of Cathy & Melissa, James Cicero, Father of Janet Cravens, George Crepeau, Bob Dasho,

Barbara Donahue, Russell Durfee, Lin Dworshak, DeLeene Eubank, Johnnie Frank, Eileen Gaspard,

Elsa Garcia, Dion Gerena, John Gibson Family, Lila Gray, Brian Guthrie, Susan Guthrie, Paul Hanson, Stephen Hass,

Dale Hawkins, Kylie Hosey, Jerry Hutchinson, Jeanie, Fay Johnson, Mary Johnson, Dick Justice,

Anthony Konosky, Shawn Landon, Sandy Laverty, Karen Machula, Debbie Martin, Derek McGee,

Pat and Don Miller, Carol Neel, Fr. Phi Nguyen, Doris O’Rourke, Dwayne Patterson, Dan Ramsey,

Dan Russell, J.P. Russell, Pat Sears, Midge Skinner, Cathy Spaffard, Marvin Spellings, Joe Streacker, T.J. & Judy, Joanne Thomas, Roberta Thompson,

Leon Vincent, Sue Van Slooten, Dan Wade, Diane Watkins, Madison Watts,

Granddaughter of Kathleen Wence, Jaimie Williams, Pat Zellner and

Protection for all close to Fires in CA

Please notify the Parish Office if someone is in need of prayer. Names will remain on the list for four weeks unless the office is notified.

Sunday, December 17 9:00am † Ray & Joanne Pease 11:00am † Aguilar Vda de Garcia De la arena 5:00pm For the Parish Monday, December 18 8:30am † Debbie Cussons Tuesday, December 19 6:00pm † Todd Daycock Wednesday, December 20 8:30am † Debra Cussons Thursday, December 21 6:00pm † John Dean Friday, December 22 8:30am † Mario Diaz Saturday, December 23 4:00pm † Albert Chaplain Sunday, December 24 9:00am † Ray & Joanne Pease 11:00am † Larry Presto December 24 Christmas 4:00pm † Marion Benecke 7:00pm For the Parish 9:00pm † Pete & Isabel Valdez

by Andrea Lewis by Maria De Pasqual Halverson

by Tom & Mary Ann Kurtz

by Douglas & Beverly Roberge by Yvonne Strouse by Stella Dean by Tom & Mary Ann Kurtz

by Robert Kruk Sunday Masses by Andrea Lewis by Elizabeth Presto

Masses by Loving Family by Melanie Burgess

If you would like to have the lamp above the Tabernacle burn for one week in Memory or Honor of a loved one, contact the Parish Office Monday through Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm. Suggested Donation - $10

Year B Third Sunday of Advent

Bringing joy through justice Reading I: Isaiah 61:1-2, 10-11 (the mission to the afflicted) Reading II: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-24 (Christian conduct; blessings) Gospel: John 1:6-8, 19-28 (John as witness to the light)

Key Passage I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my whole being shall

exult in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation. (Isaiah 61:10)

Adult: What work of justice could you do this week to bring someone joy?

Child: What could you do this week for someone to make them happy? This Week The

Sanctuary Lamp Above the Tabernacle

Burns In Memory Of:

Art Guerrera

Mass Intentions

Reflection

Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

Readings for the Week

Prayer Requests

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Third Sunday of Advent Thursday: St. Peter Canisius; Winter begins Saturday: St. John of Kanty

Please email ALL bulletin ads, announcements, requests, names for prayer list, notes, etc. to the bulletin editor at: bulletin@stsylv.org

Sacred Heart of Jesus

I place all my trust in You!

Each week we highlight one of our bulletin sponsors. Because of these ads we are able to get our bulletins FREE.

Please support these Businesses! Our “sponsor of the week” is:

POINSETTIAS FOR THE CHRISTMAS ALTAR

You may donate $10 to purchase a poinsettia for the Christmas altar in honor or memory of a loved one. Special envelopes are available in the vestibule and the Parish Center. Please place your donation in the collection basket, or you may bring it to the office.

LAST DAY TO TURN THESE IN WILL BE MONDAY 12/18/2018

Christmas 2017 & New Year’s 2018 Schedule

Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday, December 16 Reconciliation: 9:00am to 12:00pm Sunday Fourth Sunday of Advent Sunday, December 24 Masses: 9:00am [these are normal Sunday Obligation 11:00am Masses not Christmas Masses]

Christmas Eve Sunday, December 24 Masses: 4:00pm - Family Christmas Mass 7:00pm - Spanish Christmas Mass 9:00pm - Solemn Christmas Mass

Christmas Day Monday, December 25 Mass: 11:00am - Christmas Morning Mass

Solemnity of Mary Sunday, December 31 and Monday, January 1, 2018 is not A Holy Day of Obligation in 2018 Normal Mass Times

TODAY'S READINGS First Reading — As a garden makes its growth spring up, so will G make justice spring up before all the nations (Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11). Psalm — My soul rejoices in my God (Luke 1:46-50, 53-54). Second Reading — Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophetic utterances. Test everything; retain what is good (1 Thessalonians 5:16-24). Gospel — I am the voice of one crying out in the desert, make straight the way of the Lord (John 1:6-8, 19-28).

Confirmation Registration

Confirmation registration for all youth grades 9th-12th grade After Masses on

January 7th and 14th. Class and Parent meeting begin on Wednesday January 24th

at 6:00Pm in room 206 in the activity building. Please bring a copy of Baptismal and First Communion certificate/ or you can bring

the original, we will make a copy.

ADVENT SPECIAL: Change the World with prayer. Pray the Rosary Tuesday evenings before Mass.

Retirement Fund for Religious Religious give thanks.

A religious sister writes, “When we see the generous response of so many

thousands of persons in order to help us, religious men and women, we are left

speechless.” Senior sisters, brothers, and religious order priests across the country

send heartfelt thanks and prayers for your donation to last week’s

Retirement Fund for Religious collection.

"Freedom consists not in doing what we like, but having the right to do what we ought." —Blessed John Paul II

Food Pantry needs for December are:

Condiments (Ketchup, Mustard, Mayo) Jelly/Jam Pasta Sauce Syrup Canned Fruit Soup Chef Boyardee Boxed Mac & Cheese Pancake Mix Chili/Kidney Beans Chili Packets Canned Meat (Tuna, Ham, Chicken) Size 5 & 6 diapers Baby Wipes Turkeys Hams (We supplied 22 Thanksgiving food boxes for families; additional turkeys and hams are needed for anticipated Christmas boxes.) Thank you!

Third Sunday of Advent Last week our readings urged us to cast off sin and to pursue holiness eagerly.

God's grace helps us do this and prepares us for limitless, everlasting

glory. Today's readings confirm the great joy of this endeavor and provide specific advice on how to proceed: by becoming poor. The prophet Isaiah describes the

savior who comes "to bring glad tidings to the poor." We are the poor people in need of glad tidings. Following the example of

John the Baptist, we acknowledge that we are poor; we are "not worthy" of the Lord's attention. Even so, Jesus delights in caring for us. Recognizing how poor we are, and yet how great is God's love for us, we can

only "rejoice always," as Saint Paul advises. We continue our Advent journey, becoming poor by emptying our hearts of

sin and giving thanks to God for helping us grow in holiness.

Raising Pro-Life Children It often takes many decades to correct social injustices and human rights' problems. For example, it took many decades to abolish slavery. Our generation might not see an end to the injustice of abortion. However, the younger generation is becoming increasingly pro-life and it is vitally important that we raise pro-life children. If so, they will one day see our nation becoming one of liberty and justice not just for some, but for all human beings. A baby and, indeed, life itself, is nothing short of a miracle. As faithful Catholics, we should be teaching our children ---at every opportunity---that all human beings, at all stages of development, should be cherished, respected, loved and protected at all times. Also, we need to teach children that being pro-life does not only mean opposing abortion. Sometimes, children are born with disease, Down syndrome or some other problem---and these children are nevertheless all precious gifts from God and are extremely valuable, no matter what. Teaching children to have a pro-life attitude is the indispensable antidote to today's selfish, "me-first" society, with many people more concerned about pleasure or money than the inherent value and dignity of every human life. “A person’s a person, no matter how small”. Dr. Seuss

St. Vincent de Paul had a successful year. Without your support we can do nothing but look at what we accomplished with your help . Our fiscal year ended on 30 Sept. and we reported the following information to the Pensacola Tallahassee Council.

When we receive a call for help on our cell phone, a home visit team goes out to investigate the situation. Many times there are follow up visits and in all situations there are follow up calls or emails.

Many situations involve families but sometimes we help an individual or a couple.

We have 32 members in the St. Vincent de Paul at our parish and 15 are actively involved in our home visits and brown bag lunch distribution.

We have to report miles driven for each service activity but members are not given a stipend for gas.

Our conference at St. Sylvester is no longer a fledgling group and as a result we are busy and productive. There is so much to be done in South Santa Rosa County, we invite you to join us and do your part in serving the community in which we live. Thank you again for your contribution to the Thanksgiving collection and for the help we know we can count on in the future.

84 home visits were made.

254 people were helped as a result of the visits.

$480 was the average amount spent as a result of a home visit . 2,500 service hours were logged by conference members.

6,000 miles were logged by conference members.

SOCIETY OF ST. VINCENT de PAUL

Congratulations on your Baptism !!

2018 Catholic Renewal Conference:   February 23‐25, 2018 at Holy Name of Jesus 

Family Life Center in Niceville   Theme:  God is Love.   

Perfect Love casts out all fear (1 Jn 4:16,18)Speakers: Bishop William Wack, Jim Murphy, 

Michelle Benzinger, Fr Will Ganci,  Fr Nicholas Schumm, and Kevin McCall.

For more informa on, visit www.pt‐dccr.org,  e‐mail PTDCCR@GMAIL.COM or call  Helen Freeland at 850‐543‐1751.

"Human Life must be respected and protected absolutely from the moment of conception. From the first moment of his existence, a human being must be recognized as having the rights of a person among which is the inviolable right of every innocent being to life." Catechism of the Catholic Church.

Catholic 12 Day Pilgrimage Belle‐Italia!!    Now is the best  me ever to take a Pilgrimage! BELLA‐ITALIA TOUR takes you to Rome, Va can City, Assisi, San Giovanni Rotondo, the house of the Blessed Mother in Lore o, the Eucharis c miracle of Lanciano, cave of St. Michael, Venive, Padua, the catacombs, an audience with the Holy Father and praying at the four major Basilicas. Experience a once in a life me pilgrimage with two priests, including daily Masses, first class  hotels, meals and round trip airfare for 12days, June12‐23, 2018. This affordable and inspiring pilgrimage takes you to beau ful breathtaking areas with spiritual meanings. This tour is fully  

escorted, customized and guided.  Call Father Hoyer at 954‐854‐0079, or the tour agency at 1‐800‐242‐4122 (Altura Tours) for  complete informa on and group pricing for  

Catholic Italy! 

Oberammergau, Germany - 2020

Nearly 400 years ago the history of the Passion Play began. The plague raged in many parts of Europe and did not spare

Oberammergau either. In 1633 the Oberammergau villagers promised to

perform the suffering, death and resurrection of Christ every tenth year, in so far as no

one was to die of the plague anymore. The villagers were answered by God and therefore in 1634 the first Passion Play took place. The promise has been kept until today. In 2020

the 42nd Passion Play will take place in Oberammergau. The Oberammergau production takes place in one day, but the running time has varied due to the many

revisions that have taken place through the years. In 2010 it had a running time of 5

hours, beginning at 2:30 pm and ending at 10:00 pm, with a meal break. People come from all over the world for this once every

ten-year performance. Unitours has reserved 45 seats for St Sylvester Parish from August 30th through September 7, 2020. The 10 Day

Pilgrimage includes visits to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck, Oberammergau, Munich

and Lucerne. Because they have a waiting list of parishes with groups that wish to

attend, they need to know early if there is interest from our parish. Although deposits

would not be due until late 2018, substantial interest needs to be shown or they will not

hold these reservations. In order to determine if we should hold these 45 reservations,

please contact the parish office if you would be interested in this pilgrimage and we will contact you when we are ready to promote this trip. Office Hours Monday through Thursday 9:00am - 2:00pm 939-3020

LOOKING FOR TEAMMATES!

The Pregnancy Resource Center Navarre is growing into a Medical Center with

the addition of an Ultrasound machine in 2018! Therefore, we are looking for

additional staff. Are you interested in doing God’s work in this community?

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR NURSE MANAGER

OB ULTRASONOGRAPHER CLIENT ADVOCATE OFFICE SUPPORT

Please send your resume to the Pregnancy Resource Center Navarre,

7552 Navarre Parkway, Suite 6, Navarre, FL 32566.

For additional information please call 850-515-0334.

Blue Christmas Mass The holidays can be a very painful time of year for

those grieving a loss, those who are alone, sick, experiencing financial difficulties or have difficult

family relationships. The usual celebrations and expectations of the season can exacerbate feelings of

depression and anxiety, contributing to further alienation. St. Paul Parish is offering a Blue

Christmas Mass for those who are suffering. All are invited to celebrate the true religious meaning of the season in a more reflective atmosphere, without the

pressures of the social expectations of the season. The Blue Christmas Mass will be celebrated at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3131 Hyde Park Road, Pensacola,

on Wednesday, December 20, 2017 at 7:00pm and we hope you will join us.

St. Paul’s Stephen Ministry

Mark your calendar NOW…..

Walk for Life in Pensacola Jan 13, 2018

Make your plan to be there! REJOICE

Isaiah proclaims truly good news to us! God’s coming brings not sadness, guilt, fear, wrath, or condemnation.

No, God’s coming is a source of comfort and joy.

Saying it once is not enough, for today’s readings are full of joy.

Mary’s Magnificat substitutes for our psalm today, and our second reading

encourages us to rejoice, to give thanks and praise.

This is the root meaning of the Greek word for Eucharist.

We are urged to rejoice and give thanks, because the coming of the Lord brings joy, healing, liberty, release, vindication. It makes the

very earth spring up with new life! Good tidings!

Good tidings we bring! The Staff of Saint Sylvester Parish Office would like to wish you all a

VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a MOST BLESSED NEW YEAR.

Enjoy this special time with family and friends.

The office will be closed December 25, 2017

through January 1, 2018. We will be ready to be

of service to you again on January 2, 2018 starting at 9am!

A New Year’s Resolution - One Year. 20 Minutes a Day. Encounter the Power and Wonder of God’s Word.

It’s a mountaintop experience if you can open up the Word of God. It’s majestic, it’s beautiful, it’s breathtaking. It gets us out of our day-to-day and into God. The simple format of this version of Bible in a Year will keep you engaged as you make your way through all 73 books of the Bible. Commentaries are written by renowned Catholic biblical scholars and theologians, including Dr. Tim Gray, Dr. Mark Giszczak, Dr. John Sehorn, Dr. Scott Powell, Dr. Michael Morris, Dr. Elizabeth Klein, and Deborah Holiday. • Each day features three readings, one each from the Old Testament, Wisdom Literature, and the New Testament • Insightful daily reflections are written by leading theologians to facilitate deeper meditation and encounter with God through his Word • Revised Standard Version of the Bible – Second Catholic Edition Bible in a Year Leather-bound $49.95 Bible in a Year Paperback- $29.95

flexible, leather-bound

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Available for pre-order Name Address Phone No. email Quantity Requested: Leather-bound, $49.95 each Paperback, $29.95 each

Please drop this form into the offertory basket or turn it into the office. For more information contact Betsy Bowser, bowser_lcm@live.com, 850-292-8349