ST. RAPHAEL T H E A R C H A N G E L

830 S. Westhaven Drive · Oshkosh, WI 54904 · www.raphael.org

DECEMBER 30, 2012

THE HOLY FAMILY

Rev. Doug LeCaptain ........................ Pastor

Rev. Luke Ferris ............... Associate Pastor

Vinal Van Benthem....... Pastoral Associate

MASS SCHEDULE

WEEKEND Saturday .............................................. 5:00 pm

Sunday ............ 7:30 am, 9:00 am, 11:00 am

............................................................... 5:00 pm

Reconciliation

Saturday .............................................. 4:00 pm

WEEKDAY

Mondays, Tuesdays Wednesdays…...8:00 am

at Franciscan Courts Thursdays & Fridays .......................... 7:15 am at St. Raphael Church

PARISH TELEPHONES Church Office .................................. 233-8044

Fax..................................................... 233-2360

Office Hours ..............8:00 am - 4:30 pm

(Monday - Friday) Lourdes Academy ....................... 426-3626

Schedule of Holiday Masses

New Year’s Eve 4:00 pm

New Year’s Day 11:00 am

The staff of St. Raphael Church would like to wish everyone a joyous

Christmas season.

The office will close at noon on Monday, December 31 and will

reopen Wednesday, January 2 with normal business hours.

Happy New Year!

2 | ST. RAPHAEL PARISH · OSHKOSH

DEAR PARISHIONERS...

Blessings on your Christmas celebrations. Do you know that this is such a major celebration that the Church makes it an Octave, that is, eight days to celebrate Christmas? As we celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family, in the Octave of Christmas, we trust that the celebrations and family/friend gatherings continue!

January 1 is the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God, one of the oldest feasts in the liturgical calendar and is a holy day of obligation. We celebrate Mary’s role as the Mother of God. This day is also the World Day for Peace in the Catholic Church. A celebration commemorating Mary as the Mother of God has been on the Catholic Church calendar for more than 1,500 years and is the oldest feast for Mary – celebrated long before feasts such as the Immaculate Conception or Assumption became part of the liturgical year. The feast began to be celebrated following the debates concerning Christ’s divinity. Once the church decreed that Christ was fully God and fully human, and these natures were united in Jesus Christ, Mary’s role as “Theotokos” (God-bearer) as well as the human mother of God, was confirmed and celebrated.

Around the 16th century, the feast of Mary on Jan. 1 was replaced in the Roman Church with the feast of the Circumcision of Christ. Like all Jews, eight days after his birth Jesus underwent circumcision, marking him as a member of the people of God and part of the covenant between God and Abraham. On that day he also would have been named. However, in 1974, after the Second Vatican Council and the reformation of the liturgical calendar, Jan. 1 once again became the Solemnity of Mary, Holy Mother of God, and was declared the World Day of Peace by Pope Paul VI.

The solemnity falls on New Year’s Day because it is the octave of Christmas and the Church celebrates the maternity of Mary eight days after celebrating the birth of Jesus. Come pray with us, Masses are at 4:00 pm on December 31, and 11:00 am on New Year's Day (for those who sleep in). We are in need of some help in the various ministries; please sign up on the board in the gathering space.

Our thanks to all who helped with Christmas preparations and celebrations.

Fr. Doug Fr. Luke Vinal

PS: As for New Year's resolutions , we suggest these four from Matthew Kelly's CD, "Becoming the Best Version of Yourself". 1. Physical - exercise once a week every week. 2. Emotional - carefree timelessness at least once a month with the one you most love. 3. Intellectual - read a good book 10 minutes ever day. 4. Spiritual - every week and before Mass, ask the Lord for one insight in this Mass that will make you a better person.

PARISH STAFF Administrative Assistant ......................................................... Jill Eaton Coordinator of Social Communications ......................Sara Erickson Coordinator of Music and Liturgy ................................. Karen Dean Executive Secretary .................................................. Deb Ransbottom Facilities Management .................................................Mike Sheridan High School Youth Ministry .......................................... Tanya Hielke Financial Department ............. Anne Glowcheski, Mark Lindekugel Religious Education Dep. ..................... Debbie Peters, Steve Weigand ............................................................................................... and Kelly Vidmar Religious Education Secretary .............................................. Ann Olig

PARISH LEADERSHIP Deacons - Greg Grey, John Ingala

Dir. of Bus. Admin. & Development - Jeff Thorkildsen

Pastoral Associate - Sr. Margrit Immoos

Spiritual Director - Sr. Anne Marie Lom

Trustees - Josh Adrians, Mike Boettcher

DECEMBER 30, 2012 THE HOLY FAMILY | 3

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Sunday, December 30

5:00 pm Mass & Life Night

Monday, December 31

Parish office closes at Noon

No RU Support

4:00 pm Mass

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

11:00 am Mass

Wednesday, January 2 No RE Classes

9:30 am No Women’s Spirituality

6:00 pm Project –N-E-1 (Middle School)

Thursday, January 3

7:15 am Mass

4:30 pm Worship Environment Planning Mtg

6:30 pm Dave Ramsey follow-up class

7:00 pm Adult Choir

7:00 pm No Men’s Choir

Friday, January 4

7:15 am Mass & Rosary

Saturday, January 5

Confirmation Retreat

New Member Information Weekend

Sunday, January 6 Epiphany of the Lord

Confirmation Retreat

New Member Information Weekend

Coffee & Donuts after morning Masses

5:00 pm Mass & Life Night

Stewardship of Sharing

Week Ending 12/23/2012 and 12/25/2012

Budgeted Expenses: $ 26,230

Offertory Collections:

Envelopes $ 23,338

Loose Collection $ 1,441

EFT (Electronic Funds Transfer) $12,924

Christmas Envelopes $23,873

Christmas Loose $ 5,508

Other Revenue $ 2,769

Total $ 69,853

Surplus $43,623

Holiday Mass Times

New Year’s Eve 4:00 PM St. Raphael 4:30 PM St. Jude (Sacred Heart) 6:30 PM Most Blessed Sacrament (St. Mary)

New Year’s Day 7:30 AM St. Jude (St. Vincent) 9:00 AM St. Mary, Omro 9:00 AM Most Blessed Sacrament (St. Peter ) 11:00 AM St. Raphael

Parish Office Hours

The staff of St. Raphael Church would like to wish everyone a joyous Christmas season.

The office will close on Monday, December 31 at 12:00 noon and

will reopen Wednesday, January 2 with normal business hours.

Happy New Year!

Collections received on Tuesday, January 1, 2013 will not qualify as a charitable contribution deduction in 2012, even if the check was actually written in 2012 or was back-dated to 2012. The IRS requires donations to be received by the charity on or before December 31, 2012 to qualify as a deduction for 2012.

4 | ST. RAPHAEL PARISH · OSHKOSH

CHECK OUT OUR BULLETIN BOARDS! For events in the Oshkosh community and our diocese, please check out our three bulletin boards located close to the parent room and Sacristy.

Life Teen Mass Sunday, December 30- 5:00 pm 2012-2013 Life Teen “Radiant Joy”

“Look to God that you may be Radiant with Joy!” Psalm 34: 5-6

“Catholic Fight Club” is the theme for the Life Night! Ever feel like you are in the fight of your life defending your faith? Don’t know how to defend your beliefs? Join our club… The Core

SPECIAL NIGHT FOR VISITING

COLLEGE STUDENTS! SUNDAY, JANUARY 6

All visiting college students are invited to join us for dinner after the

5:00 p.m. Life Teen Mass Tacos and Testimony

Enjoy some humorous videos Share your own funny stories

Engage in a few ridiculous games!

Middle School Youth Ministry

Upcoming Events

Wednesday January 2 @ 6:00 pm Youth Council/ Advisory Board N-E-1 Mentor Meeting

Saturday, January 12 (9:00-11:00) St. Vincent de Paul Service Project @ SVDP Jackson St.

Monday January 21 Tobogganing Trip to Cascade Mtn. More info coming soon.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

FROM THE

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

STAFF

No Religious Education Classes this week!

Classes will resume January 8/9, 2013

Snow Removal Help Needed Your help is greatly needed to shovel snow at church on weekends during the winter months. Please call the parish office as soon as possible at 233-8044. Schedules will be made out according to sign up.

Christmas Flower Offering

Margaret Bekkers in loving memory of Waltera Bekkers, Josephine Feavel Rick & Denise Koch in loving memory of Wilbert & Kathryn Koch, Gerald Moon and Craig Wesner Bob & Rosemary Davis in loving memory of the deceased members of the Unser & Davis families Nancy Zelhofer in loving memory of Franklin Zelhofer Chuck & Joyce Steinert in loving memory of Frances & Gilbert Pohl, Charles & Julia Steinert Dolly Pahlow in loving memory of Herbert Pahlow Dick & Kay Hurkman in loving memory of Carl & Marge Berger, Robert Hurkman Mrs. Kathryn Ranieri in loving memory of Louis Ranieri, Sr, Louis Ranieri, Jr, Sutton & Kathryn Jungwirth Judith Twohig in loving memory of Clarence & Anita Petrie Sr. Johnette Marek in loving memory of the deceased members of the Marek Family Fran Born in loving memory of Karen Born, Shikoski Family Bob & Carol Staszkiewicz in loving memory of Adelyn & Vincent Candice, Pauline & Tony Staszkiewicz Matt, Kelly & Jacob Diker in loving memory of William Nies Mr. & Mrs. Stephen Moon in loving memory of Delores Moon & Diane Lohj David & Nina Leib Buch in loving memory of Rocky Leib & Yvonne Buch Mr. Elroy Brazil in loving memory of Heidi Brazil Steve & Lisa Hansen in loving memory of Mitchell Hansen

WORKING WITH THE SCRIPTURES –

There is a certain wisdom in placing this Feast of the Holy Family immediately after Christmas and before New Year’s Day. Whether around the Thanksgiving Day table, the Christmas tree, or the TV when our favorite football teams were playing, many of us have probably had occasion to spend time during this season with our families.

Unfortunately, however, those gatherings may not always have reflected the image of a traditional “Norman Rockwell” Christmas. This year twenty-six families in Connecticut were missing a family member, many of them young children, lost in a horrific attack on their school. For other families a son or daughter in the military was serving on the other side of the world and could not be with them. There might have been an empty chair where a deceased parent or grandparent always sat in the past. Or maybe we found ourselves alone with no family at all nearby. Families are made up of people and, unfortunately, sometimes circumstances beyond our control leave us sad, disappointed or even fearful.

Mary and Joseph must have felt a bit of that same fear and helplessness when they realized that their little boy was not with them at the Passover Festival in Jerusalem. Put yourself in their place. Your twelve-year-old son wanders off at the mall. It’s the day after Thanksgiving. Massive crowds have been gathering since 8:00 the night before. You arrive early and arrange to meet back at the car. Mom thinks her son is with Dad, Dad thinks he’s with Mom, but at the end of the day he’s not with either of you and what started out as a fun family outing becomes a frantic search for your child.

In other words, God understands how human families work even when things don’t work out the way we expect them to. So the next time you gather around the Thanksgiving Day table or the Christmas tree or even the TV, picture Jesus there with you. A human child with a human family, Jesus understands and assures us that, even when things are difficult, every family is a holy family …

Vinal Van Benthem

DECEMBER 30, 2012 THE HOLY FAMILY | 5

Don’t Miss the…… Fox Cities’ EXCLUSIVE limited release premier showing of the epic film

“Restless Heart - Confessions of St. Augustine” December 27 through January 6

Fox Cinema Cafe, 400 3rd Street, Menasha, WI 54952 Tickets: $5.50 each & available at the Theater Box Office

Call 920-727-9005 or visit http://www.foxcinemacafe.com for show times.

"RESTLESS HEART offers a soul-stirring portrait of a great sinner who became one of the Church's greatest

saints," said National Catholic Register writer Tim Drake. "It's timeless -- a testament to the power of Truth." "We hope that many who watch this inspiring human drama will allow themselves to be found by the Truth and in return also find Love." - Pope Benedict XVI

About this Movie: Dozens of sold-out shows and non-stop interest have prompted Ignatius Press to extend the screenings which have been reported to leave standing room-only crowds inspired - often changed - by the film. It is based on St. Augustine's land mark book "The Confessions". It is the story of one who pursues fame and

fortune without a moral compass – and the changes that occur when events lead him to see the light. Watch the trailer at http://www.restlessheartfilm.com/ Brought to you by CIA-Faith Mission Operatives, a charitable Catholic ministry established to help people Investigate their Faith.

6 | ST. RAPHAEL PARISH · OSHKOSH

2012/2013 Parish Wish List

Wish List Items Vestment Updates (Red and White)

$500 each

Electronic Message Center / Outside Sign-- $25,000

LA* High School Tuition Scholarship-- $4,450 each

LA* Elementary School Tuition Scholarship- $2,090 each

Hearing Loop Technology for the Church-- $15,000

Book sponsorship for RCIA textbooks-- $ 25 each

Religious Education Tuition Assistance-- $100 per student

Replace / Upgrade office computers-- (2) $900 each

Replace Office Printers $100 each

Prayer Shawl Materials Sponsorship-- $ 15 each

Baptism Parent 7-Letter Subscription/postage - $31 each

Swivel Chairs for the Parish Office $150 each

Refurbished Copy Machine for work room $5,500

A/V project Phase 2—Cameras (2) $5,000 each

Materials for Green Room remodel $3,000

Composite Banquet Tables (96 in. x 36 in.) $200 each

Adult Catechism Textbooks for RE Teachers $25 each (need 80) * LA = Lourdes Academy

Save the Date

Busy Woman’s Retreat

January 22 7-9 pm

January 23 9:30-11:30 am

Jesuit Retreat House, Oshkosh

Good Samaritan Fund

Our parish uses this fund in coordination with the St. Vincent de Paul Society and other helping agencies to

provide assistance to people who have emergency

requests.

Individuals or families who benefit from this fund often

have no other options and are in danger of "falling

between the cracks."

Anyone may benefit from this fund which is available

throughout the year, but parishioners receive special consideration.

Please make check payable to St. Raphael Church*,

memo Good Samaritan Fund, and deposit it in the regular collection basket.

Bible Study and Breakfast Group Fr. Carr’s Place 2B Chapel

Second Saturday of the Month at 8:00 am (January 2013 meeting will be January 12)

All are welcome! Lead by Fr. Doug LeCaptain. Reference materials and breakfast provided at no charge. You are asked to bring your own Bible. For more information, contact Al Eisma at 203-5056.

St. Raphael Blood Drive Saturday, January 12, 2013 8:00 am -11:00 am

The Community Blood Center Blood Mobile will be located in the St. Raphael parking lot. Watch for the signup board in the Gathering Space.

Stepping Stones, a social support group for those who have lost a loved one, meets for dinner every second Wednesday of the month at 6 pm. The January get-together will be on Wednesday, January 9 at Benvenuto’s in Oshkosh. Please call Sheila Fink at 376-3644, if you plan on attending or would like more information about Stepping Stones. Please join us for support and sharing.

DECEMBER 30, 2012 THE HOLY FAMILY | 7

A Christmas Thank you

Thank you to everyone who gave their time, energy, enthusiasm and expression of faith to prepare and minister for our parish celebrations of Christmas, 2012:

Parish Maintenance Personnel and Volunteer Assistants Outdoor Environment Team Worship Environment Team

Volunteers who helped decorate the church Plant and Flower Care Team

Candle Care Team Linen Launderers

Greeters & Ushers Sacristans

Cantors, Choirs and Ensembles Music Directors Instrumentalists

Lectors Altar Servers

Communion Ministers Multi-media Team

Homily Reflection Team Priests and Deacons

Liturgy Coordinator RE Staff & volunteers

Parish Office Personnel and the Gathered People of God

Thanks to all who joined together to give praise to God this Christmas.

We could not have

done this without

YOU!

Middle School Volunteers at Fr. Carr’s

Don Ritter lecturing at the Christmas Eve Mass

8 | ST. RAPHAEL PARISH · OSHKOSH

PARISH LIFE

Mass Intentions

Sunday, December 30 7:30 am Marlene Hetzel † 9:00 am Larry Brewer † 11:00 am Eileen Monard † Nenatte Donovan † 5:00 pm For our parishioners † Monday, December 31 4:00 pm Gordon Drexler † Tuesday, January 1 11:00 am Olivia Engel† Wednesday, January 2 8:00 am At Franciscan Courts † Thursday, January 3 7:15 am Betty Durant † Friday, January 4 7:15 am Christopher Jansen † Saturday, January 5 5:00 pm Delores and Jerry Molenda † Sunday, January 6 7:30 am For our Parishioners † 9:00 am For our Parishioners † In Special Thanksgivings for prayers answered † 11:00 am Elizabeth Hegedus † Marlene Decker † 5:00 pm Simeon Cerdan, Sr. † Panfilo Ambas †

STEWARDSHIP OF TIME & TALENT

LITURGICAL ROLES

JANUARY 5 & 6, 2012

GREETERS 5:00 pm E. Miller, M. Kation, L. & G. Seeley, R. Tollard 7:30 am J. & J. Vande Hei, M. & D. Butler 9:00 am S. Ingala, T. Ruddy Family, M. Diker Family 11:00 am S. Denney, L. Conradt, L. Weitz, P. Spiering, R. Lemieux

USHERS 5:00 pm T. Mettlach, P. Gilson, R. Vandersee, A. Vandersee 7:30 am C. Hayes, E. Wilke, E. Dwyer, P. Cernohous 9:00 am C. Sina, S. Tribbey, J. Haddock, M. Brefczynski 11:00 am L. Robinson, T. Berenz, S. Hawi, A. Langenfeld

SERVERS 5:00 pm Nataly Neitzel, Emily Landolt, Thomas Hendricks 7:30 am Anna Connors, Nolan Martell, Avery Martell 9:00 am Aaron Klysen, Haley Klysen, Ryan Bal 11:00 am Connor Barfknecht, Maria Tushar, Shea Dorsey

LECTORS 5:00 pm P. Vidmar, M. Gannon 7:30 am M. Herzing, C. Conway-Gerhardt 9:00 am K. Diker, S. Klysen 11:00 am G. Chier, T. Chier SACRISTANS 5:00 pm P. Blackmore 7:30 am S. Panek 9:00 am M. Ulrich 11:00 am T. Glasnapp 5:00 pm K. Hammen MUSICIANS 5:00 pm Sr. Mary Jo/Kim/Jim Blackmore 7:30 am Sr. Mary Jo/Small Group 9:00 am Adult Choir/Elizabeth/Kathryn 11:00 am Kathryn/Betsy/Small Group 5:00 pm Ekklesia

Readings for the Week of December 30, 2012 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28, Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17 or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24, Lk 2:41-52 Monday: 1 Jn 2:18-21, Jn 1:1-18 Tuesday: Nm 6:22-27, Gal 4:4-7, Lk 2:16-21 Wednesday: 1 Jn 2:22-28, Jn 1:19-28 Thursday: 1 Jn 2:29--3:6, Jn 1:29-34 Friday: 1 Jn 3:7-10, Jn 1:35-42 Saturday: 1 Jn 3:11-21, Jn 1:43-51 Next Sunday: Is 60:1-6, Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6, Mt 2:1-12 ©Liturgical Publications Inc

Michael Piehl and Kelly McDonnell were married this weekend at St. Raphael Church. Please keep them in your prayers as they make a commitment to each other in married love.

The following child will be baptized at St. Raphael this weekend:

Kathryn Alice, daughter of David Murry &

Joanne Staudacher

Welcome, Little Ones!