December 21, 2014 • Fourth Sunday of Advent
HOLY APOSTLES
C A T H O L I C
C H U R C H
6300 N Meridian Road 83646 • P.O. Box 708 Meridian, Idaho 83680
P: 208-888-1182
F: 208-884-1800
www.holyapostlesmeridian.net
Mass Schedule
Saturday Evening: 5:00 pm
Sunday Morning: 9:00 am & 11:00 am
Sunday Evening: 6:00 pm
Father MacMillan, Pastor
Weekday Masses:
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: 8:30 am
Communion Service: Thursday at 8:30 am
Father Legerski, Parochial Vicar
Deacons
Robert Barros-Bailey
Ralph Flager
Gerald Pera
Bernie Rekiere
Malherbe Desert
Brian Flowers
Charles Rasmussen
David Shackley
Sacraments
Reconciliation: Saturday 3:30pm
Baptism & Marriage: Please call Parish Office
Anointing of the Sick: Offered during Saturday
Reconciliation hours (3:30-4:30pm); otherwise,
contact the Parish Office to schedule an appointment
All are invited to pray the Rosary
in the Day Chapel 30 minutes
before all weekend Masses.
Welcome
No matter what your present or past status in the Catholic Church. No matter what your current family or
marital situation. No matter what your personal history, age, background, race or color. You
are invited, welcomed, accepted and loved at Holy Apostles Catholic Church.
This Week
Bulletin Deadline
Reconciliation Services - 7pm
Parish Bulletin ([email protected])
All bulletin articles must be submitted by 12 Noon on
Friday of the previous week (9 days before).
Monday December 22 St. Marks
Thursday Weekly E-Newsletter
Go to holyapostlesmeridian.net to sign up for the Holy
Apostles weekly newsletter.
Mass Schedule for December
Weekly Readings
Week of December 21 , 2014
Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Rom 16:25-27/
Lk 1:26-38
Monday: 1 Sm 1:24-28/Lk 1:46-56
Tuesday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24/Lk 1:57-66
Wednesday: Morning: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/Lk
1:67-79
Thursday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5/Acts 13:16-17, 22-25/Mt
1:1-25 or 1:18-25
Midnight: Is 9:1-6/Ti 2:11-14/Lk 2:1-14
Dawn: Is 62:11-12/Ti 3:4-7/Lk 2:15-20
Day: Is 52:7-10/Heb 1:1-6/Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14
Friday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59/Mt 10:17-22
Saturday: 1 Jn 1:1-4/Jn 20:1a, 2-8
Next Sunday: Gn 15:1-6; 21:1-3 or Sir 3:2-6, 12-14/
Heb 11:8, 11-12, 17-19 or Col 3:12-21 or 3:12-17/
Lk 2:22-40 or 2:22, 39-40
Pianists Needed
A Pianist is needed at the Saturday, 5pm and Sunday,
11am Masses. We are all given gifts and talents from
God; please consider sharing yours. Call Jon McKay
at 888-1182 or email him at
[email protected].
Volunteer Opportunity
Holy Apostles is in need of a few people who are
willing to set up tables and/or take down tables for
funeral dinners. Requires lifting chairs, moving
tables, etc. If interested, all Midge Lee at 888-1182,
x-3011 or email her at [email protected]
Did You Know?
December 22 & 23:
Mass at 8:30am
Christmas Eve
Masses at 7pm, 9pm and Midnight
Christmas Day: Mass at 10am
December 26:
December 27 & 28:
December 31:
January 1:
January 2:
Mass at 8:30am
Regular Weekend Masses
Mass at 8:30am and 5pm
Mass at 10am
8:30am Communion Service
Parish Office will be closed on
December 24, 25, 26
December 31 & January 1
Book Club Meeting
The Apostles Book Club’s next book to read is
“Father Brown Series, “The Flying Stars” by G.K.
Chesterton. This is a short Christmas story perfect for
the coming busy season. The next meeting will be
Thursday, December 18, from 7:00-8:30 in rooms
100-101. Please bring a wrapped book (It can be a
used or one that you have finished, etc.) for a book
exchange. For more information please contact,
Normie Melendez ([email protected]),
Teresa Miller ([email protected]), or
JoAnn Shaul ([email protected]).
Friday Morning Playgroup
Parents and caregivers of children 5 and under are
invited to Holy Apostles Playgroup. Drop in and see!
Group meets at 9:30am in Rm 102.
Upcoming Playgroups Dates
Dec 19 - Countdown to Christmas, Jesus, Letter J
Priest Homilies are available on the Home Page of the
Parish website (www.holyapostlesmeridian.net)
2|
Welcome to Holy Apostles
Follow us on Facebook at
Holy Apostles Church
Thoughts for Advent
Fourth Sunday of Advent
In today’s Gospel reading we hear proclaimed the story of the Annunciation, when the angel of the Lord announced to Mary that she would give birth to Christ
through the intercession of the Holy Spirit. Mary allowed God’s messenger to speak to her. She was attentive, not afraid to enter into a dialogue, then unconditionally obedient. Mary’s acceptance of this mystery
is a stewardship model for us. Good stewards remain
open to the incursions of divine life into the normal
course of their daily lives. How open are we to the
promptings of the Holy Spirit in our own lives? What
might we do this last week of Advent to be more attentive to the Lord?
The Holy Family:
Learn it, Live it!
A new whole family-catechesis ministry is in
the planning stages. The first event will be
held on January 10, 2015 at 6pm in the
dining room. Please plan to attend.
Also, please contact Robert Rust at
[email protected] or 208-949-7370 if
you can share your time and talent to guide us as
we start this exciting new ministry!
Teaching the poor to provide
for themselves
A group of Holy Apostles parishioners recently
returned from a vision trip to Benque Viejo, Belize.
The group met with catholic leaders in the community
and discussed supporting projects such as: a raised
vegetable bed, rabbitry, restoration of a convent, and
building a classroom at Our Lady of Mount Carmel
high school. The projects are not a one-time
donation, as they will help teach the poor to provide
for themselves.
Look for information on the “Serving the Poor
through Mission Trips” in future bulletins.
Becoming Catholic
Pope John Paul II often said: "Open wide your heart
to Jesus Christ." If something is missing in your life, if
there is an emptiness you cannot explain, know that
Jesus Christ can fill the void. Think about finding him in
the Catholic Church, the Church Jesus Himself founded
2,000 years ago. If you would like to talk about
joining the Catholic Church, call Mary @ 888-1182.
Advent: Exercising Good
Stewardship of Our
Spiritual Lives
from International Catholic Stewardship Council Newsletter
When you say the word “Advent,” what immediately
pops into mind? A feast of color, a traditional manger
scene bathed in soft candlelight, glistening snowflakes
falling on festive trees, a yearning for the One who is
to come.
But sometimes, the season brings other images:
crowded stores, treats that tempt us to too many
calories, limitless to-do and to-buy lists. Yet in the back
of our minds, we hear the call to conversion. Christ is
calling us to be good stewards of all that we have and
all that we are. How can we keep Advent in such a
way that it is a time to focus on the fundamentals of
stewardship; of spiritual growth and preparation for
the coming of Jesus Christ? Here are a few
suggestions, not meant to be another to-do list, but
rather a way to remind ourselves daily of our call to
prepare a way for the Lord in our lives.
• Begin the season with a list to prioritize what you
really want spiritually, and in relation to friends and
family, from Advent. Discard all the “extras” and the
fantasy of the perfect Hallmark Christmas. List clear
goals that bring growth and peace and quality time.
• Take time to read the daily readings each day of
Advent. The beautiful words of Isaiah are
guaranteed to inspire, and the commitment will
guarantee you a bit of quiet and reflective time.
• Do you send Christmas cards? Even if they are the
standard signature only or newsletter variety, try to
personalize one a day, writing a nice note to an
elderly relative or a friend you haven’t seen in a
long time.
• Go to the Sacrament of Reconciliation. This will
encourage you to reflect on your life, your gifts and
where you fail to utilize them for the good of others.
It’s a beautiful preparation for the coming of Jesus
and the beginning of a new year.
• Pray for patience. As you drive over icy streets or
navigate through a crowded store, take time to
pray for those around you and for those who
struggle with much less. Become aware of people
around you and lift them in prayer rather than see
them as obstacles to your goals.
• In the midst of a season of abundance, do not
forget the poor in your community.
Meridian, Idaho
|3
Faith Formation
Holy Apostles News
Upcoming Tuesday Adult Ed
9:30am & 6:30pm (Dining Room)
Rebuilt: The Story of a Catholic Parish
(Book available at Amazon,
Barnes & Noble, Reilly’s, etc.)
Part 1: Naming the Problem (Fr. Len)
Jan. 6
Part 2: Finding a Way Forward (Fr. Len) Jan. 13
Part 3.1: Developing a Strategy 1 (Fr. Len) Jan. 20
Part 3.2: Developing a Strategy 2 (Deacon Bob)
Jan. 27
Part 3.3: Developing a Strategy 3 (Deacon Bob)
February 3
Catholic Questions: Catholic Answers
Questions and Answers w/Deacon Bob February 10
Questions and Answers w/Fr. Len
February 17
Lenten Series: Priest, Prophet, King
February 24, March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31
Marriage Prep
Holy Apostles will be holding a Marriage
Preparation Class during the weekend of
January 23-24. Marriage Prep is
required for all couples planning to
receive the Sacrament of Marriage. The
deadline to register is Friday, January 16,
2015. For more details please contact Midge Lee at
208-888-1182 or email her at
[email protected].
Religious Education Calendar
For December
Dec. 21 – Pre-School-Kindergarten RE Classes
Dec. 22/23 – No Classes – Christmas Break
Dec. 28 – KidsWord During the 11:00 Mass
Dec. 29/30 – No Classes – Christmas Break
CBC –
Bringing Catholic
Neighbors Together
4|
Welcome to Holy Apostles
Family Eucharistic Adoration
Every Monday
5:00-6:00 pm
In the Adoration Chapel
For more information on Family Eucharistic
Adoration, please call Theresa or Blanca in
the RE office at 888-1182 ext. 3022 or 3021.
Random Catholic
of the Week
This is Candy. She has been a
member of Holy Apostles for
about 8 years. Candy normally
attends the 5pm Saturday Mass.
Her favorite season is Autumn.
Mark your calendar...
Please join us at Holy Apostles for a
new Business Networking Group
First Meeting:
Thursday, January 8th 4:30pm – 5:30pm
What a great way for business owners to meet and
connect with other business owners
in the parish.
Please come and get to know who is represented
and how we might be able to help each other.
We look forward to seeing you!
Questions, call or email:
Rob Gerichs 853-6272
[email protected]
or Kellie Allen 941-4914
[email protected]
Spiritual gifts and family life
Parents are called to stand in the place of God in their
families. What many parents don’t realize is that they
have been specially equipped to do so, in part by the
sacramental graces of marriage and in part by gifts of
the Holy Spirit given to all Christians at Baptism. How
can you discern the gifts that God has given you for
the sake of your family? How can you help to discern
the gifts God has given to your children? On January
23 & 24, Sacred Heart Church (Boise) will host a twoday program, the Called & Gifted Workshop that will
teach about the gifts of the Holy Spirit that all Christians have been given and that are already at work in
our lives. Cost is $50. Registration forms are available
at http://sacredheartboise.org.
SAVE THE DATE
Friday - February 6, 2015
BIRTHRIGHT ANNUAL FUNDRAISER - Riverside Hotel
New this year: entertainment by
Holy Apostles’ “Swingin’ with Ellie”!
If you’re unable to attend but would like to make a
donation
(monetary or other for our silent auction or raffle)
either before year-end or in Jan/Feb 2015, please
contact:
Kathy Coops, Fundraiser Chairperson - 208-562-1468
Lucas House
The Aldridge family is a vibrant family and has been
a member of Holy Apostles for many years. They
would like to share their story with fellow
parishioners. Their vision is to provide holistic respite
and palliative care for children affected by lifelimiting diagnoses, in a center that would provide
Family-centered support and services in addition to
Children’s play based activities in a Home-like
setting. Please take the time to view their video on
http://lucashouse.org/ and updates on
www.facebook.com/lucashouse.org/ . You can make
a difference for these children and their families.
Contact Alissa Aldrich at [email protected]
for information.
Once a month, the children’s collection at Holy
Apostles will be designated for Lucas House.
Call Carol at Sacred Heart (208-344-8311)
for more information.
Little Flowers Girls Club
Holy Apostles Little Flowers Girls Club (ages 5-10)
meets on the 3rd Saturday of the month. It is run as a
co-op with both mothers and daughters present. Each
month focuses on a different virtue, saint and scripture
verse. Contact Colleen Ware by calling/texting 4849050 or email her at [email protected]. Next
meeting: January 17 at 10am in Room 102.
Meridian, Idaho
|5
Health
~Parish Nursing~For Wellness of Body, Mind and Spirit~
Help for Struggling Marriages (or maybe “Retrouvaille for Struggling Marriages”):
Here’s hope! “Retrouvaille” is a successful Catholic program that consists of one weekend followed by six
sessions. All struggling couples are welcome, even if you’re separated or divorced. To find a weekend to attend, go
to www.HelpOurMarriage.com. The next Boise weekend will be March 13, 2015.
Anointing of the Sick: Do you have a planned hospital stay, and need the Sacrament of Anointing of the Sick?
Anointing of the Sick can be offered during reconciliation hours, Saturday 3:30-5:00pm, otherwise, contact the
Parish Office to schedule an appointment, 888-1182.
Surviving Loss By Suicide - Support for Family and Friends An 8 week rotating curriculum for new and returning
members. Meet on the 4th Monday of each month, 7 to 8:30 PM in Room 101. The next meeting will be
December 22nd. Call Cynthia Mauzerall, 407-3205 for information.
The Flu Season is Here
Hand washing is an important step in preventing the spread of germs among parishioners. Please lather hands for a
full 20 seconds before rinsing, each time you use the restrooms. If you are not feeling well, running a temperature,
or have a child who is not feeling well, please consider staying home. Cover your cough with the inside of your
elbow, and use hand sanitizer when washing your hands is not possible. Please know that your awareness and
consideration of others is appreciated by all. Let’s stop the spread of the Flu and illnesses that interrupt our lives.
From the Business Office
Well done, my good and
faithful servant!
Year End Contributions: The parish office will be
closed December 31 & January 1. If you are planning
to make a year-End Contribution that you wish to
appear on your 2014 Contribution statement, it needs
to be in the parish office by 12/30/14. If you are
mailing in your contributions, it must be postmarked on
or before 12/30/14. Thank You!
After serving Holy Apostles for seventeen years as
Parish Bookkeeper, Deb Miller is retiring.
Online Giving: If you are interested in donating
sacrificially to the parish, you may use online giving by
going to the Diocesan website www.catholicidaho.org.
Look for giving on the top right corner and follow the
prompts. Be sure to click Holy Apostles General Fund
for sacrificial giving or Holy Apostles building fund. For
those of you using online giving or monthly bank drafts,
if you are receiving tithing envelopes and care not to,
please call ext. 3003 and leave a message.
The 2014 Idaho Catholic Appeal: We are shy
$23,607 of our goal $211,939, or 88.86%. You may
pledge online at www.catholicidaho.org. Envelopes are
also available in the gathering space along with a
brochure. Thank you for your consideration.
6|
Welcome to Holy Apostles
Holy Apostles is the largest Parish in the state, and
keeping the finances in order was no easy task.
Deb was very dedicated and diligent and filling
her shoes will not be easy!
Deb handled all aspects of Holy Apostles’ finances
from purchase orders, contracts, payroll, accounts
receivable and payable, to yearly budgets,
financial forecasting, and other various functions.
The hardest job, of course, was keeping the staff
and Pastor in line!
Please keep Deb in your prayers as she embarks
on a new chapter of her life. She will be missed
by parishioners and staff alike.
God, we offer thanks for the time, energy, and
commitment Deb gave as Holy Apostles’ bookkeeper.
We celebrate all that she gave in service. We pray for
your abundant grace in the anticipated and unexpected
blessings of the days to come, and for opening horizons
of new ways to serve you and others. We pray in the
name of Jesus Christ, who served others as carpenter,
rabbi, healer, and friend. Amen.
Best Wishes from Father Len, Father John,
Deacons, Staff & Parishioners
Parish Information
Columbarium Niches
Are available for Holy Apostles parishioners. Please
contact the parish office at 888-1182, x-3003.
Advertiser Spotlight
Council of Catholic Women
Meets on the 2nd Monday of each month Sept-May.
Mass at 6:30pm and business meeting at 7pm.
Joan Worden, President
890-0846
Idaho Catholic Register
Thank you for your support by paying for the ICR
being delivered to your mail box.. Your $17.00 check
to the parish may be dropped in the collection basket.
In Honor of Our Mothers
In the church by the St. Joseph’s Grotto we have a tree
to honor our mothers. Leaves are available for
purchase. Contact Deb at ext. 3003 for information.
Knights of Columbus
Meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month.
Grand Knight-Gary Babbitt [email protected]
Legion of Mary
Our Lady of the Smiles. Monday evenings at 7pm,
Room 108: Contact Evie Thibault 602-3421
Our Lady of Tears. Thursday mornings at 9:15am,
Room 108: Contact Mary Hill 794-7557
Our Lady of Victory. Friday mornings at 9:30am,
Room 108: Contact Sandra Whittaker 938-1310
Our Lady of Mount Carmel. Thursday afternoons, 2
pm at the home of Linda Scherer. Contact 871-4796
Perpetual Eucharistic Adoration
For more information, contact: Cookie at 939-8430,
Carol C at 323-7634 or Carol M at 939-0703
Prayer Chain
Holy Apostles has a prayer chain that prays for the
needs of all and would like to pray for you. If you
need prayer for any reason, call Ann Grindstaff, 3784656.
Rosary Makers
Rosary Makers meet Thursday mornings at 9:30am in
Room 109. Call Cora Fischer at 376-0397.
St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry Hours
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 1pm-4pm
Thursday: 5:30pm-7pm
Annual December 26
Downtown Boise
Christmas Church Walk
A Treasure Valley Event Sponsored by the
Les Bois Chapter of the American Guild of Organists
This unique Treasure Valley event will take place on
Friday, December 26, 3:00-5:30 p.m. The self-guided
walking tour is for the community to be able to look at
the Christmas decorations, hear special music and view
the various architectural styles of the churches. What
makes this event special is that all the churches are
within walking distance of each other. The Church
Walk will conclude with a Christmas Music Sing from
5:30-6:p.m. at St. John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral
featuring the Cathedral Organist, Dr. Raphael
Morvant, with Ann Reed as Director.
The churches are: Central City Christian Church at 615
N. 9th St., First Church of Christ Scientist at 880 W.
State St., First Presbyterian Church at 950 W. State
St., First United Methodist Church at 717 N. 11th St.,
Immanuel Lutheran Church at 707 W. Fort St., St.
John’s Roman Catholic Cathedral at 775 N. 8th St., St.
Michael’s Episcopal Cathedral at 518 N. 8th St. and
St. Paul Baptist Church at 1320 W. Bannock St.
The event is free and open to the public. You are
invited to bring your friends and house guests, and the
Walk can begin at any of the churches. Specific church
information will be available at each church Dec. 26.
Follow us on Facebook at
Holy Apostles Church
Meridian, Idaho
|7
Directory
Parish Office Hours
Monday–Friday 9-5pm, Closed 12-1pm
Holy Apostles Parish Staff
To email Parish Office Staff and Directors, use person’s first
initial & last [email protected]
Deb Miller, Bookkeeper......................................... ext-3003
Paul Miller, Facilities Manager ..............................ext-3023
Jon McKay, Music Director ...................................ext-3020
Monique Kilroy, Parish Nursing .............................ext-3008
Midge Lee, Pastoral Associate of Liturgy
(Weddings, Funerals) ............................................ext-3011
Patty Blazek, Pastoral Associate of Ministries.....ext-3009
Joie LaCasse, Receptionist ....................................ext-3001
Faith Formation Directors
Preschool - Grade 5
Blanca Hutson..........................................................ext-3021
Theresa Malouf.......................................................ext-3022
Office Hours (Room 107)
Mon-Wed 10 am-12 pm / 1 pm-5 pm (or by appt.)
Energizers (6-8 grade)
Rusty Bang .............................................................. ext-3025
Office Hours Monday-Friday 11am-5pm
Energizers meet on Wednesday 7 pm–8:30 pm
High School Ministry/Confirmation
Deacon Robert Barros-Bailey ............................. ext-3026
Call for appointment ...........................................371-8289
or email ..................................... [email protected]
Becoming Catholic
Mary Wax.............................................................. ext-3007
Returning Catholics
Donna Dennard .....................................................895-8469
Holy Apostles 20/30’s Group
Parish based community of young adults who seek
to draw closer to Christ.
Deacon Robert Barros-Bailey 371-8289 or
[email protected]
To register please come to the Parish Office or e-mail the Parish Office to request a
Registration Form. You will also find the forms on our website.
Passion & Purpose for Marriage
led by renown speaker and author Dr. Allen Hunt
Friday February 20, 2015 6:30-10:00 PM
Discover key ingredients to a healthy and happy
marriage, and take your relationship to a whole new
level! Come for a great evening of listening, learning,
scripture, and prayer. Don't worry, no one will be
asked to share their feelings with the group. This is an
opportunity to learn and grow as a person of faith
who strives to love in all their relationships.
For Tickets ($25/person): Masses During January on
sale after Masses or at the parish office;
To pay now by credit card, Go online:
www.dynamiccatholic.com/events
Save the Date For this Conference
Saturday, April 11, 2015
Hosting Parish ~ Holy Apostles Catholic
Church
More information/registration in January 2015
10th Annual Crab Feast & Benefit Auction
Capstone Missions will be having their 10th Annual Crab Feast and Benefit Auction at St. Jerome's Catholic Church
in Jerome, ID on February 7, 2015. The evening will be filled with great food, live, silent and dessert auction, all
to support a great cause. To purchase tickets, make a donation, or donate an auction item, contact Colleen Crozier
at 208-324-4257 or Debby at 208-308-3296. Invite your friends and make an evening out of it! For more infor-
8|
Welcome to Holy Apostles
Meridian, Idaho
|9