BULLETIN DEADLINE: NOON WEDNESDAY for the next weekend

E-mail: nativity.bulletin@hotmail. com

The Catholic Church of the Nativity 5955 St. Elmo Road Bartlett, TN 38135

Parish Office Hours: Mon—Fri 8:30a.m. to 5:00p.m. Phone 901-382-2504 Emergency Phone 901-603-3364

Pastor: Father Robert Szczechura, STL robert.szczechura@cc.cdom.org In Residence: Father Carlos Donato de Silva Deacons: Frank Larker frank.larker@nativity.cdom.org Chris Frame cframe@paxdomini.org David Rosenthal, PhD david.rosenthal@nativity.cdom.org Seminarian: Dominic Candebat Administrative Assistant/ Office Manager: Angie O’Neill angie.oneill@nativity.cdom.org Bookkeeper: Jim Moseley nativity.accounting@nativity.cdom.org Director of Music: Kyung-Won On kw.on@nativity.cdom.org Parish Religious Education: PRE.nativity@nativity.cdom.org Director of Youth Ministry: Stephen Peyton stephen.peyton@nativity.cdom.org Co-Directors Hispanic Ministry: Lyz Candia clyzcan@yahoo.com, 901-607-5982 and Lillian Luciano

Mass Schedules Daily Monday - Saturday 8:00 a.m. Weekend Saturday Vigil 5:00 p.m. Sunday 8:00 a.m. 10:30 a.m. Spanish 5:00 p.m. Filipino First Sunday of Each Month (Tagalog/English) 12:30 p.m. Polish Second Sunday of Each Month (except July & August) 12:30 p.m. Holy Days As Announced

Sacraments Reconciliation — Saturday 3:30p.m. to 4:30p.m. Sunday 9:30a.m. to 10:00a.m. or by appointment Spanish - Sunday 4:20p.m. to 4:50p.m.(1st Sunday of the month) Baptism — by appointment; please contact the parish office Marriage — Contact the parish office at least six months before the wedding

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

September 15, 2019

www.nativitybartlett.org

September 14 & 15, 2019

Please Pray for Our Sick

Claire Fitzgerald Albino Annemarie Lee Allen Erlinda Amaba Vinnie Ariemma Bill Brigrance Mike Bulderbach Tina Burton Carey & Nancy Casad Bill Coburn Joan Cunningham Doris Dalton Nick DeStefan Michael Ellis Sally Gyout Chad Hall Leeghann Harrison Rosa Holmes Barry Houston Donna Lampen Catherine Johnson Ed List Annie Longoria Paul Baker Miller Fr.Mike Morgera Cheyenne Montgomery Louise Northrop Shirley Odom John & June Patton A.J. Perk Kevin Perk Kathy Palmisano Karen Raney Maria Robertson Fr. Robert Ponticello Sam Sudduth Julia Theil Hannah Tighe Mary Underwood Fr. Ricky Valleroy Peter Voss Joyce R. West Barbara Williams Melissa Frame Vannucci Ann Wingate Nancy Hennessey Pam Walton Nikki Albino Grace Rata Estelle Coleman Shawn Ellis Deacon Frank Larker Dallas Williams Edward Hall Gil Lema Lorrrie Hardin Carolyn Cook Earl Spellings Ed Chady Patricia Pugh Betty Durkin Jean Geoghegan Olivia Occean Joanne Lamberth David Hall Rosalie Owens Mary Mahoney Shelley Miller

† From Death to New Life May Those We have Loved & Lost Rest in Peace

John Miller

Beloved Son of Mary Miller

Mary Miller Beloved Mother of John Miller

All Parishioners -

Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help

Wednesdays 6:00 p.m.

Mass Intentions

Senior Airman Christopher Dill; Pvt. John David Dill; A1C Ryan C. Marlin; AO1 Andrew E. Hopson; Commander Derek A. Vestal, Pvt. Maria Witges, Captain Luke Sauber (USMC), Lieutenant Colonel Christopher J. Martindale U.S. Army, Richard A. Martin, Jr., BM1, (USCG) Captain Tami Kerns (US Army-Afghanistan) Captain Kevin Kerns (US Army-Hawaii) Captain Nicholas Burton. SSG. Carol Hopson, Gabriel Graven EF Specialist , Capt. Eric Wilder, MD, USAF; Cdr. Tim O’Kane

Pray for Our Troops

SAINTS AND SPECIAL OBSERVANCES Sunday: Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time; Catechetical Sunday Monday: Ss. Cornelius and Cyprian Tuesday: St. Robert Bellarmine Thursday: St. Januarius Friday: Ss. Andrew Kim Tae-gŏn and Paul Chŏng Ha-sang and Companions Saturday: St. Matthew

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: 1 Tm 2:1-8; Ps 28:2, 7-9; Lk 7:1-10 Tuesday: 1 Tm 3:1-13; Ps 101:1b-3ab, 5-6; Lk 7:11-17 Wednesday: 1 Tm 3:14-16; Ps 111:1-6; Lk 7:31-35 Thursday: 1 Tm 4:12-16; Ps 111:7-10; Lk 7:36-50 Friday: 1 Tm 6:2c-12; Ps 49:6-10, 17-20; Lk 8:1-3 Saturday: Eph 4:1-7, 11-13; Ps 19:2-5; Mt 9:9-13 Sunday: Am 8:4-7; Ps 113:1-2, 4-8; 1 Tm 2:1-8; Lk 16:1-13 [10-13]

8:00am Weekdays Requested By Mon 16th Stevic Malogorski + Pat Fitzgerald Father of Steve Malogorski Tue 17th Emilie Harris + Rosemarie von Cannon Wed 18th Brother Richard Marten + Pat Fitzgerald Eileen Kuehl’s brother Thu 19th Mary Catherine Hudpath + Father Robert & Staff Joyce Bernandini’s sister Fri 20th Brother Richard Marten + Eileen Kuehl’s brother Carolyn Anderson 8:00am Saturday Sept 14th Kazimierz Zborowski + Father Robert Sept 21st Piotr Iskrzycki + Father Robert 5:00pm Saturday Sept 14th Max Burdette + Rosemarie von Cannon Sept 21st Martha & Willis Chamblis + The Schwill Family 8:00am Sunday Sept 15th Parishioners Sept 22nd Irma Jensen + Robert Drozbowski 10:30am Sunday Sept 15th Regina Hericks + Father Robert & Staff Mother of Marie Denelsbeck Sept 22nd Parishioners 5:00pm Sunday - Spanish Sept 15th Beatriz Rojas Dennis + Mrs. Beatriz Martinez Sept 22nd For the separated and prosecuted Immigrant Families

Parishioners we have many prayer shawls - if you are visiting a sick or homebound person, please take a prayer shawl to them. Thank you!

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Although New Year’s Day has been fixed firmly on January 1 for several hundred years, Labor Day has the feel of a great dividing line between leisure and routine. The pace of life has since picked up, and new schedules and commitments crowd us. In the background is God’s call to consider the third command-ment, still life‑giving and binding, to make holy the Lord’s Day by worship and rest. Jews see the Sabbath, Saturday, not so much as a day of worship, but as a day of rest, a day of renewing friendship with God by delighting in the beauty of creation and the joy of family and friends. It is a day for contemplating the wonder of God’s creation, but not disturbing it. For Christians in the first three centuries, the Lord’s Day, Sunday, was not for rest, but worship. It was a regular work day. People met before dawn, and after Eucharist hurried off to daily routines. Today we come to Mass, but many hurry off to essen-tial work, not a day of rest. The Lord’s Day is not the Sabbath, but we can enhance Sunday’s ability to transform us if we con-sider embracing some Sabbath values: having a family meal, going for a walk in a beautiful place, making room in our lives to open ourselves more fully to holiness of life in Christ. —James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Nativity Information

Altar Flower Dedication Worship in our church is an experience of beauty. The flowers in the sanctuary are an important and beautiful symbol of what we offer to God in our worship. Every member of the parish is invited to contribute to the beauty of our worship by giving the altar flowers on a particular Sunday in memory, thanksgiving or celebration for people or events that are important to that donor. There will be one dedication per Weekend. The cost for the flowers is $65 or $100. If you would like to make such a gift, please contact Angie O'Neill at 382-2504. Thank you in advance for your generosity and for contribution to the beauty of our worship.

September Altar Flowers Donated By 14th/15th Anonymous 21st/22nd 28th/29th

FOOD FOR THE SICK If you are interested in preparing food for parishioners in need, please call Susan Hanna at 337-5745.

From Father Robert’s Desk - Dear Brothers and Sisters: We have great news! And in times like ours, great news is always worth sharing! As you know, the Knights of Columbus hosted their 12th Annual Angelo Lucchesi Dinner on July 26 of this year at St. Benedict High School Cafeteria. I am writing this letter to share with you the incredible success of this fundraiser for the Formation of our Seminari-ans. More than sixty seven thousand dollars were raised, breaking many records, and more than doubling the amount of money raised in previous years! This success is the fruit of the effort and commitment of our Knights to the cause of the future of our Church, and the enthusiastic promotion and participation of our priests, religious, and the diocesan faithful. I would like to express my most sincere gratitude and appreciation to the Knights of Columbus Councils for all the effort, time, plan-ning, and commitment towards the Annual Angelo Lucchesi Seminarian Dinner. The funds we get each year from this event are an invaluable blessing that helps us provide our seminarians with the means to get the most out of their academic and spiritual forma-tion. I also want to thank and congratulate all the organizations and individuals who contributed to this event and made such a success possible: all the Knights of Columbus Councils; the Serra Club of Memphis; the staff of Saint Benedict High School; the caterers and volunteers; the people who donated items for the auction; the auctioneer; and the many wonderful people who attended the dinner. Your investment of life, talent, and treasure towards the formation of our future priests will surely be a pleasing offering to our Lord. Please share this letter with your parishioners, friends, and neighbors. May God bless all our efforts with an abundance of vocations to tend to His growing Church in West Tennessee. In Christ,

Rev. Robert Szczechura Director of Vocations Diocese of Memphis

Nativity's Blood Drive is TODAY in telling Hall from 12-3pm. If you don't have an appointment, stop by anyway. There are usually open spots with room for YOU! Vitalant provides blood for a large portion of the tri-state area and the need is always there. Make plans to donate and see how good it feels to save a life!

September 14 & 15, 2019

Soup Kitchen Information! On September 3rd four (4) volunteers fed 166. Volunteers meet at 7:45 am at Nativity on the 1st & 3rd Tuesday of each month. If you would like to volunteer, there is a sign up sheet on the table in the Narthex. You will need to bring a hat or other type of hair cover. If you want more information, please call John Walton 901-568-0910.

Check your calendar - volunteers are needed for

Tuesday, September 17th

Nativity - ST. Vincent de Paul Nativity Information

Since this month has 5 Sundays, it is time once again for a potluck. Please bring an entree or 2 side dishes on Sunday, September 29th after 10:30 mass to share with your Nativity family. This is a wonderful time for some great food and fellowship!

Youth Group meets on Sunday nights from 6pm-8pm. If you or your child are in 9th to 12th grade, please come join us for faith and fellowship. If you have any questions, please see Stephen Peyton after mass or email him at Speyton526@gmail.com or feel free to contact him either by text or call 901-605-1924.

Mark your calendar

Knights of Columbus Christmas Greenery Sale

October 26-27 and November 2-3

More information to follow!

NEW Altar Server Training for those who are in 3rd Grade or higher on September 21st at 10:30am with lunch to follow.

Call the office to register.

RCIA CLASSES

Classes meet on Wednesdays from 6:30pm to 8pm

Classes for New Lectors and Eucharistic Ministers will be held at Nativity from 10:30am to 2:30pm. Lectors on Oct.5th and Eucharistic Ministers on Oct. 26th. Registration is necessary! Please call church office. Choir Notes to Congregation 9/1/19

“He who sings, prays twice!”

I am sure that we have all heard this phrase, several times, here at Nativity. In recalling it for these comments, I decided to research the author. Surprisingly, I found the phrase, along with credit for who coined it, to be wrapped in dispute. Certainly for our purposes today, such dispute is not important. Rather it is the spirit, or concept, contained in it which we are to focus on: “singing as prayer.” Join me in a brief mental exercise: let us imagine a mass with no choir. Actually, no imagination is required for such an exercise – there has been no choir at mass for roughly the last 12 weeks! This absence is due to a generous rest granted by the parish leaders to the parish choir members, after completion of the back to back choral demands of the Christmas and Easter Feast seasons. Still, it gives us all an opportunity to reflect on the benefits music, and a choir, has in the Mass. The purpose of a formal choir at mass is not to perform, but to LEAD, what I call, the Congregational Choir in praying twice through song or to occasionally provide a prayerful setting for individual meditation. Certainly, to aid everyone in making, “A joyful noise to the Lord!” Unfortunately, the formal choir does not accomplish its purpose, without aid from the Congregational Choir. This aid comes not only from each parishioner singing from the pews, but through growth of membership. So, if you have the talent to carry a tune, if you sing in the car to The Message on SiriusXM, whether you can read music or not; and if no one has extended a call to you, this is for you now. Please, give prayerful thought to becoming a part of one, or more, of the Music Ministry’s groups: the parish choir, children’s choir, handbell choir, the Resurrection choir or as Cantor. This call is not directed to only the adults of the parish, but as part of your child, grandchild or God-child’s faith formation, please help them learn the concept of participating in the parish’s need for volunteering Time, Talent and Treasure. To be sure, if a youth is involved in a scholastic choir or music program, they should consider becoming a part of their church’s music program. In an interesting twist, you may find that in giving of Time and Talent, you likely will receive a heart filled with personal Treasure from our Lord. For it is said:…………“He who sings, prays twice!”

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

Diocese Information

Are you concerned about the future of your high school student? Finding the solutions through goodness, beauty and truth only comes with an authentic Catholic education. Let St. Benedict at Auburndale High School (SBA) be the answer to your prayers. SBA – Grounded in Faith • Elevated by Excellence! sbaeagles.org/admissions or 260-2840.

The St. Vincent de Paul Ozanam Center Food Mission is in need of regular daily VOLUNTEERS to help serve meals to our neighbors in need. The hours are 8 am to noon and volunteers are needed for these days in particular. 2nd, 4th and 5th Tuesdays; All Fridays; All Wednesdays and 1st, 2nd and 3rd Sundays. Food Mission is located at 1306 Monroe Ave., Memphis, TN 38104 Contact Gloria Hyden, Interim Director at 901-552-7038 or email at gloria.hyden.svdp@gmail.com

CONTINUING EDUCATION COURSE The First Letter to the Corinthians: a study of St. Paul’s monumental commentary on early Church life. This eight-week course will especially focus on the moral questions treated in the letter. When: Wednesday evenings (7-8:30 p.m.), September 18 – November 6, 2019 Where: Dominican House on campus of St. Agnes Academy - St. Dominic School, 4830 Walnut Grove Rd., Memphis Cost: $10 Instructor: Fr. Carmen Mele, O.P., rector of the National Shrine and Institute of St. Martin de Porres Registration: Call 901-578-2643 or email stmartin@stpeterchurch.org.

St. Agnes Academy – St. Dominic School PK2-12th is hosting an Open House on Saturday, September 28, 2019 from 12:00 pm – 1:30pm at Siena Hall. Drop by for a Tour of Our School.

RSVP: admissions@saa-sds.org

www.cathmed.org

Poverty in context: Children are disproportionately affected by poverty. In Memphis, nearly 40 percent of children live in poverty while the overall poverty rate in Memphis is 24.6 percent. The poverty rate of children in Memphis is more than double the national childhood poverty rate of 17.5 percent. Understanding: Of the 12.8 million American children living in poverty in 2017, nearly 8.3 million lived in single-parent families – more than 66 percent. (Child Poverty in American 2017: National Analysis) How we help: Through our Driving the Dream program, Catholic Charities works to help people move from poverty to self-sufficiency. Many of the program’s clients are single mothers seeking a better life for their families. These clients often need temporary emergency housing, which we pay for until we can find them safe, permanent housing. You can make a difference: First Responders to Poverty (monthly donors to Catholic Charities) can make a difference. Just $100 per month would cover the cost of two nights in a local hotel at our discounted rate every month.

MARRIED COUPLES

September 14 & 15, 2019

Diocese Information Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time: “This brother of yours was dead and has come to life.” Do you want to bring others to life in Christ as a priest, religious sister or brother? Visit https://www.memphisvocations.com or write to: vocationsDirector@vocations.cdom.org.

You Can Help Your Marriage – 25% of surveyed couples say they are “Happily Married.” For everyone else, there is Retrouvaille. Are you frustrated or angry with each other? Do you argue…or have you just stopped talking to each other? Does talking about it only make it worse? Retrouvaille helps couples rebuild their marriages. For confidential information about the next program call (800) 470-2230 or (615) 523-0631, email rv3043@gmail.com<mailto:nrv3043@gmail.com> or visit our web site at www.HelpOurMarriage.com

Dates Changed for WWME Calling all Married Couples A weekend of discovery – a lifetime of Love World Wide Marriage Encounter Weekend * Dates: October 18-20, 2019 * Location: Our Lady Queen of Peace Retreat Center, Stanton, TN ** For more information or to apply, visit www.wwme-section10.org/memphis or contact Norman and Barbara Sobota at 901-373-7030 email: sobota@bellsouth.net For Registration contact: Andy & Chris Sniezak: Email: sneezygal@yahoo.com

Bluegrass in the Beer Garden is coming up – Mark your calendars for Sept. 21st from 5:30-8:30. The tickets are on sale through Brown Paper Tickets and are still just $50. This is the only fundraiser St. Mary’s Soup Kitchen has, so please make an effort to attend. In addition, the Mass prior to the event will be

celebrated by Bishop David Talley. So, come meet and hear our new Bishop and stay for fun, bluegrass music, food and camaraderie.

A People of Many Faces—Offered by the Parish Social Ministry Office of Catholic Charities of West Tennessee, this workshop focuses on helping parishes learn to build bridges between cultures. Join us for a morning of prayer, presentation, sharing of ideas, and wonderful ethnic food! Saturday, October 19, 2019, from 8:45 am until 1:00 pm, St. Francis of Assisi Catholic Church Room #113 (8151 Chimney Rock Blvd, Cordova, TN 38016) The workshop is free, but advanced registration is requested. To register: Rachel D’Addabbo, Rachel.daddabbo@acc.cdom.org or 901-722-4750. For more information, ccwtn.org/ministries/parish-social-ministry/workshop/

Celebrating the 70th Anniversary Reunion for St. Paul Catholic School.

Date: Oct. 19, 2010

Times: 1-4 pm

Location: Starts in the Gymnasium

NO CHARGE TO ATTEND

Invitation to: All who were students, teachers, administra-tors, staff, parents and grandparents at any time in the 70 year history of St. Paul Catholic School + Anyone who loves Catholic education and feels a special place in their heart for St. Paul Catholic School

Light finger foods will be served (no full meal)

Tours will be available or walk the halls of St. Paul at your leisure.

The celebration will continue with the Saturday Vigil Mass at 4 pm and optional Knights of Columbus Spaghetti Dinner after Mass ($7/plate)

Link to RSVP: stpaulmemphis.org/rsvp

The 2019 FATHER SON PROGRAM for 12 to 15 year old boys will be on Sunday, October 27th at Holy Rosary Catholic Church from 2pm to 5pm. Fathers, Grandfathers, Godfathers, Uncles, Father Figures, and even Mother’s, please bring the young men in your life to this excellent program where we will discuss God’s gift of human sexuality, fertility, and the virtue of chastity as well as His plan for growing up and becoming men of integrity! This program will be presented by some of the most exceptional men throughout our diocese. Plus, we will have PIZZA and refreshments! Please register by Monday, October 21st at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2019-father-son-program-tickets-67566363813. Tickets are $25/family. Please contact Sierra Kallaher by email at sierrastamey88@gmail.com or by phone at (901)378-6828 for any questions.

ONLINE GIVING To set up a recurring giving schedule, visit us online at www.nativitybartlett.org. Locate the Online Giving button and set up your recurring giving schedule. The first time you give, you will select a password that will enable you to log in at any time and make changes to your giving or view your complete online giving history for Online Giving .

~~~Pray for World Peace~~~

Twenty-fourth Sunday in Ordinary Time

14th 8:30am Fishers of Men 6:00pm ANNUAL AUCTION 15th 9:00am PRE/CGS 9:00am PRE -1st Communion & Confirmation 1 11:30am Puppet Practice Noon Blood Drive 3:45pm Armada Blanca 6:00pm CYO 6:00pm PRE - Confirmation 2 6:30pm Knights of Columbus Officers Mtg. 16th 4:30pm TOPS 17th 7:00pm SVdP Meeting 18th 4:45pm Children's Choir Practice 6:00pm Hand Bell Practice 6:00pm Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 6:30pm RCIA 7:15pm Pastoral Council Meeting 7:30pm Parish Choir Practice 19th 5:00pm Third Thursday Adoration 6:30pm Knights of Columbus Mtg. 7:00pm Spanish Third Thursday Adoration 20th 6:00pm Hispanic Dancers 21st 8:30am Fishers of Men 10:30am New Altar Servers Class 22nd 9:00am PRE/CGS 9:00am PRE -1st Communion & Confirmation 1 11:30am Puppet Practice 3:45pm Armada Blanca 6:00pm CYO 6:00pm PRE - Confirmation 2 23rd 4:30pm TOPS 24th 10:00am Resurrection Choir Practice 7:00pm Apologetics Class - Spanish 7:00pm Women’s Guild Meeting 25th 4:45pm Children's Choir Practice 6:00pm Hand Bell Practice 6:00pm Novena to Our Lady of Perpetual Help 6:30pm RCIA 7:30pm Parish Choir Practice 26th 6:00pm Hispanic Dancers 27th 5:00pm SVdP Feast Day Dinner 6:00pm SVdP Feast Day Mass 28th 8:30am Fishers of Men

Offerings for September, 2019

1st Week - Regular Collection: $7,310 St. Joseph Fund: $ 440 Month of August Totals: Regular Collection: $39,043 ($39,633 Budget) St. Joseph Fund: $10,040

ANNOUCEMENTS TO BE MADE BY FATHER AT MASS NEED TO BE SENT TO ANGIE O’NEILL BY NOON Thursday!

2nd Collection September 22nd - SVdP Nativity Conference

Scheduling Events at the Church

To All Ministry Leaders and Nativity Groups: We are a growing and vibrant Parish Community and I ask this special request of you. Please remember that we are a family of worship and share our God given gifts and church space to-gether. And as we continually grow in our ministries, I ask that group leaders please submit your yearly calen-dar by email or in writing to Angie O’Neill . We have limited meeting spaces that fill up very quickly and it is most appreciated if all will communicate by email with angie.oneill @nativity.cdom.org for scheduling all events. The Office Calendar is the Official Church Calendar. If there are conflicts in dates and times, we hope all of you are willing to work together to coordinate usage of our building and grounds. Thank you for your patience and understanding and for working together as a very large and faithful family. May God continue to bless each of us and the work we do as The Catholic Church of the Nativity. Fr. Robert

Bulletin Information

To View the Bulletin online go to https://www.facebook.com/nativitybartlett/ or to https://www.nativitybartlett.org .

Go to nativitybartlett.org/calendar/ for scheduled present/future events.

HAS SOMETHING CHANGED????

Keep your Information Current If your phone number, work number, cell number, address, e-mail address, or name changes, please notify the office 382-2504. Thank-you!

FORMED - Become a member it is FREE. You can view e-books, movies, audio books, audio bible, testimonies, inspiring talks and video studies to enhance your knowledge of the teachings of the Catholic Church. To set-up an account go to formed.org. then follow the instructions. Nativity's code is MV3JPX (all caps).

Handicap Section - the first row on the right in the front of church is reserved for those who are handicapped. If you sit there communion will be brought to you.