Nativity of Mary Church and School
10017 E 36th Terrace Independence, MO 64052
Parish: (816) 353-2184 School: (816) 353-0284 Web: www.nativityofmary.org
“My attitude must be Christ’s.” - Philippians 2:5
December 28, 2014
Parish Staff
Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor
Dr. Elizabeth Baker, Principal
Donna Arnone, Business Manager
New Parishioners
If you are new to our parish and would like more
information please contact the Parish Office.
Pastoral Care
Sacraments for the Sick and Homebound and Pastoral
visits to the Homebound and Hospital
Contact Fr. Bob Stone
816-353-2184
Emergency Assistance
Contact St. Mary’s Food Pantry and
Clothes Closet - 816-252-8649
Youth Ministry
Debbie Page, Parish Office
School
School, Early Childhood and Extended Care
Carmen Wolfgeher, school office
Sacrament Preparation
Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist,
Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA),
and Matrimony
Contact the parish office for information
Music Ministry
Dr. Helena Vasconcellos, parish office
Diocesan Victim’s Advocate
Mary Bultmann
816-714-2387 - [email protected]
Ombudsman
Jenifer Valenti,
816-812-2500
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph
Mass Schedule
Monday:
Weekday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
Holy Day:
8:30 a.m. Communion Service
8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday
4:00 p.m.
8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.
Confessions
Saturday:
3:00 p.m. or by Appointment
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
MASS INTENTIONS
Sat., Dec. 27 – Vigil of the Holy Family
4:00PM
+ Alex Greuter & Jimmie Weber
Sunday, Nov. Dec. 28 - The Holy Family
8:00AM
+ Patricia Eker, Tom Ronan
+ Mary Therese Carroll
10:30AM
Communion Service
Tuesday, December 30
8:30AM
+ Ineva Ludwig
Wednesday, December 31 - St. Sylvester I
8:30AM
+ Al Flowers
Thursday, January 1 - Solemnity of Mary
10:00AM
+ Edgar Schaefer & Int. of Bernie Cassity
Fri., Jan. 2 - Sts. Basil the Great & Gregory Nazianzen
8:30AM
+ Nativity of Mary Parish
Sat., January 3 - Vigil of the Epiphany of the Lord
4:00PM
+ Carole Mucke
Sun., January 4 - The Epiphany of the Lord
8:00AM
+ Tom Ronan
10:30AM
+ Jimmie Van Bibber
PLEASE PRAY FOR:
Mike Anthony
Vern/Margaret Ault
Rex Bartley
Dick Baylie
Catrina Bellis
Bernie Cassity
Bill Crystal
Leann Dandorff
Willie DeJesus
Bill Dierkes
Kathy Dunbar
Ruth Duvall
Barb/John Eimer
Lacy Faherty
Rick Fletcher
Aidan Gonzalez
Bernadette Greufe
Margaret Heckman
Cynthia/Dennis Jones
Debbie Layden
Marty Mosbauer
Mary Perez
Monday:
Tuesday:
Wednesday:
Thursday:
Friday:
Saturday:
Sunday:
+ Nadine Eckstein
Mon., December 29 - St. Thomas Becket
8:30AM
READINGS FOR THE WEEK - DEC. 29, 2014 - JAN. 5, 2015
Carlos/Eva Pinon
Mike Rooney
Betty Rynish
Chris Salas
Sylvia Simone
Lilyanne Smith
Bernice/Norm Steffen
Paul Varsalona
Bud Vitt
Ayden Wright
Joe Zapien
1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35
1 Jn 2:12-17; Ps 96:7-10; Lk 2:36-40
1 Jn 2:18-21; Ps 96:1-2, 11-13;
Jn 1:1-18
Nm 6:22-27; Ps 67:2-3, 5, 6, 8;
Gal 4:4-7; Lk 2:16-21
1 Jn 2:22-28; Ps 98:1-4; Jn 1:19-28
1 Jn 2:29 -- 3:6; Ps 98:1, 3cd-6;
Jn 1:29-34
Is 60:1-6; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 10-13;
Eph 3:2-3a, 5-6; Mt 2:1-12
Please pray for the repose of the soul of
Kenny Johnson, husband of Rosie and father of Wade, Brock, Cale, and Luke. The
Johnsons are long-time parishioners and a school family. We offer our prayers and sympathy to Rosie, the
boys and all the Johnson family. May his soul and the
souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. Amen.
TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION
In the last century, a few new feasts were blended into the Church
year, including today's. After World War I, the chaos of daily life in
Europe made its impact felt on the family structure. Partly to offer
Christians an image of hope and holiness in married family life, and
also to promote the welfare of children, today's feast was "invented"
in 1921. In 1969, it became a feast of Christmas.
The prayers today remind us not only of family life, but of life in the
community of faith. We ponder the mystery of a God who loves us
dearly enough to embrace the struggles, joys, and daily sorrows of
family life. The message of Christmas shines through: God-with-us is
available to us in the ordinary patterns of our lives and commitments.
The lives of people who raise their children in difficult circumstances,
and of people who remain faithful to life in the Church in spite of
some of their own family struggles, occupy a special place in our
hearts today in prayer.
NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT
DECEMBER 13 & 14, 2014
Envelopes
Plate
Worship Space
Pisces Fund
EFT & Credit Cards
TOTAL
$ 6,815.00
$ 1,038.00
$ 7,974.00
$ 115.00
$ 320.00
$16,262.00
Religious Retirement
$ 1,181.00
Tuition Deposit
$18,120.23
St. Mark’s School Support
$ 3,500.00
Matching Grant -Marsh/McLennan
$ 3,640.00
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - PARISH NEWS
Reminder: Mass on January 1, 2015,
the Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother
of God, is at 10:00 a.m. This is a Holyday of Obligation.
DID YOU KNOW…….?
…in January we will be replacing 3 members of the Parish Ministry Council?
January 2015
4:00 PM Mass
8:00 AM Mass
10:30 AM Mass
Lectors
Marilyn Fellows
Helen Sibert
Nancy Ronan
Wilma Christensen
Joe Harris
Eucharistic
Ministers
John Cook
Sherri Eaton
Loretta Krawczyk
Marilyn Mineart
Cindy Mosbauer
Mike Mosbauer
*Helen Sibert
John Felz
Mercy Kimbrough
Lucy Lamb
Mary Ann McClure
*Pete Quiroga
Laura Rosenberg
Larry Lamb
Manny Martinez
Frank Milazzo
Rosa Milazzo
Anne Reilly
*Madge Sutherlin
Volunteer
*Denotes Captain
*Denotes Captain
* Denotes Captain
Luke Moore
Juliana Diaz
Evie Akamoto
Amber Walter
Servers
Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you would
like to light one just ask an usher for assistance. There
is a slot and envelopes available in the kiosk to place
your $5 donation.
If you have a suggestion, concern, or comment you would like
the Parish Ministry Council to address there are cards on the
kiosk you can fill out and drop in the slot.
The Diocese of Kansas City - St. Joseph is committed to combating
sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or
if you observe or suspect sexual abuse:
1.
2.
3.
Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-392-3738 (if the
victim is currently under the age of 18), and
Contact your local law enforcement authorities or call 911
After reporting to these civil and law enforcement agencies
report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult
to the Diocesan Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at 816-812-2500
or [email protected], if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, employee, or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City - St.
Joseph.
The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please
contact Victim Advocate Mary Bultmann at 714-2387 or
[email protected] for more information.
Rebecca Hanch
Hughes Family
Gluten-free hosts are available.
Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass.
We have 2 wheelchairs and hearing assist devices
available for your use during mass.
Please contact an usher.
CALENDAR - 2014 AND 2015
Sunday
28
8:00AM Mass
10:30AM Mass
Monday
29
8:30AM
Communion Serv.
Tuesday
8:30AM Mass
30
9AM - Quilters
Wednesday
8:30AM Mass
31
Thursday
1
10:00AM Mass
No Choir Practices
Friday
8:30AM Mass
2
9AM-Noon
Eucharistic
Adoration
No RCIA
Saturday
3:00PM
Confession
4:00PM Mass
3
No Youth Group
Ministry Center
Closes at Noon
Ministry Center
Closed
Ministry Center
Closed
4
8:00AM Mass
10:30AM Mass
Breaking of the
Word Begins
5
8:30AM
Communion Serv.
6
8:30AM Mass
7
8:30AM Mass
9AM - Quilters
School Resumes
1PM - Liturgy Mtg.
8:30AM Mass
7PM - Parish
Ministry Council
School
Denim & Dogs
10
3:00PM
Confession
4:00PM Mass
7PM - Choir
7PM - JACOMO
Chorale
7PM - RCIA
7PM - PTO
after Mass
11
8:00AM Mass
10:30AM Mass
Breaking of the
Word
9
8
8:30AM Mass
12
8:30AM
Communion Serv.
13
14
16
15
8:30AM Mass
8:30AM Mass
8:30AM Mass
8:30AM Mass
9AM - Quilters
3PM - Youth Choir
7PM - JACOMO
Chorale
7PM - RCIA
7PM - Choir
School
Noon Dismissal
Parent/Teacher
Conferences
17
3:00PM
Confession
4:00PM Mass
First Saturday Devotion
January 3 , 2015
On behalf of the Music Ministries at Nativity,
we would like to thank the Nativity Youth and
Parish Choirs for their help as we offer our
parishioners an opportunity to reflect on the
meaning of the Christmas season. Music is
a divine element and an effective reminder
of the mission of our savior on Earth. As we
sing “Gloria in Excelsis Deo,” “Joy to the
World,” and many other traditional Christmas
songs, we join the baby Jesus as He uplifts
our hearts and souls. Then that little baby
Himself is born within each one of us. Our
choir members rejoice for being God’s instruments in the strengthening of the faith
and spirituality of our community.
St. Peter's, 815 E. Meyer Blvd., KCMO
8:00 a.m. Confession, Rosary
and Meditations
9:00 a.m. Holy Sacrifice of the Mass
The request for these devotions was made known by
her and Jesus to Sister Lucia on December 10, 1925.
Mary promised to assist those at the hour of their
death, who fulfill the requirements of five consecutive
First Saturdays, with the graces necessary for salvation. The greatest gift to Our Lady is observing this
devotion separate from the Obligatory Mass observance, however, if one cannot make the earlier Saturday Mass, this devotion may be fulfilled at any Saturday Vigil Mass or Sunday Mass, with the rosary and
meditations of 15 minutes on the mysteries done individually, and Confession within 8 days.
Visit www.pray4america.net for more information on
First Saturday Contact Jacelyn Gosselin at (816) 5097494 or e:mail [email protected] for more
information.
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - SCHOOL
JANUARY CALENDAR
January 5
January 7
January 11
January 16
January 19
January 25
Classes Resume
Denim/Dog orders & money due
Full day of school
Denim and Dogs Lunch
Report Cards
Noon Dismissal
Parent/Teacher Conferences
1:00 p.m. - 6 p.m.
No School
Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Catholic Schools Week Begins
As a leader, I am privy to many stories of people’s
lives-the happiness and the struggles. These stories
make me humble in the respect that one can clearly
see at times the Holy Spirit working in the lives of
others. I asked the faculty and staff to reflect on
how the Holy Spirit has worked in their lives to
bring them to Nativity and what their mission is
for our school and parish community. The following is a story from Chris Everhart, who is our Kindergarten teacher:
Open House
Thursday, February 26th
2:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Kindergarten Round-up
Thursday, March 5th
6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Please help us spread the word about our wonderful
school by talking to your friends and neighbors about
our annual Open House and Kindergarten round-up that
will be taking place at the beginning of March. Word of
mouth is an excellent opportunity to let people know who
we are!
Attention 8th grade students and parents:
Archbishop O'Hara High School
High School Placement Test
Saturday, January 10, 2015
Parents are asked to pre-register their student for the
event by going to www.oharahs.org and clicking on the
Admissions tab. Follow the links for the 8th grade students and you will be able to register. The cost of the
exam is $15 and students need to arrive at 7:45 AM with
two #2 pencils and their Social Security Number. We
will serve a pizza lunch immediately following the test
and students should be available for pick-up by noon. If
you should have any questions please feel free to contact Kim Felz at (816)763-4800 ext. 206 or email at
[email protected].
As a young girl, my parents took us on many
trips around the world. Dad was a scientist
and was able to travel very inexpensively. My
parents took us to many Catholic Churches
and we grew up with a great respect for the
Catholic Church. When my husband and I
moved to Kansas City I stayed home with our
baby son, Nicholas, for one year. In August of
1985, there was an ad in the paper for a
teacher at St. Martin de Porres. I called and
got an interview with Sr. Carol. As I walked in,
she said, "Oh good, I had a candle burning for
you." From that moment on, I have been
hooked on Catholic Schools. My life has been
touched in so many ways by the wonderful
people I have met over these past 29 years;
parents, students, co-workers, and parishioners. My husband and I have been married for
35 years; had four children; struggled with
sickness and death and financial difficulties.
We have celebrated joys and happy
times. Through it all, our lives have been
supported and enriched by the people we
have met through my Job as a teacher. I truly
feel, God called me on this great journey!
DECEMBER 28, 2014 - THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY AND JOSEPH
The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph
The teenager with the starring role in the school Christmas play moaned and sighed to herself as
her dad arrived late. Again. A litany of thoughts crossed her mind: "He missed my solo! His work
is more important than me. He doesn't love me!"
It was when the teenage star took her bows before the admiring audience that it all came clear. Her
dad, with both feet propped on their heels, cheered the loudest, but his daughter couldn't take her
eyes off the holes in the soles of each shoe, the ones he hadn't replaced for years. And she, in her
beautiful gown and expensively designed hair, finally realized, "He did it all for me."
Your love for your family is enduring, even when it goes unnoticed. Take some time for one another. Show honor and respect. As Paul wrote to the Colossians, always be thankful. Let Christ's
message find a home in your home
WHO'S A HOLY FAMILY?
If you are reading this, there is a good chance that you meet the definition of a "holy family,"
given that this may be at least the second Mass of at least four that you and your family will have
participated in over a very short period of time.
Meeting a religious obligation, like attending Mass on Sundays and holy days, is not the only criterion for a holy family, of course, but as today's Gospel reminds us, it's one of them.
The presentation of Jesus in the Temple portrays his parents as devout Jews who took him to Jerusalem as the Law of Moses required. According to the Law, the mother who gives birth to a boy is
not to touch anything sacred or enter the Temple for forty days. At the end of this time she is to
offer a year-old lamb and a pigeon or turtledove as an atonement for sins. Mary offered a pair of
birds, as was permitted a person who could not afford a lamb.
MEETING OBLIGATIONS
If only it were that easy to be holy. If only holiness could be determined solely by our attendance
at Sunday liturgy and fulfilling a list of rules.
But as any Christian knows, the way to holiness passes by way of the cross. Holiness is never a
state of being that we reach or achieve, but a constant personal and communal battle that embraces
penance, mortification, and suffering, which only then lead to peace.
Mary knew that. Simeon--the prophet who held the infant Jesus and put into words what Mary
must have felt, that the child is "destined for the fall and rise of many . . . a sign that will be contradicted"--also knew (Luke 2:34).
Many in our own families have tripped over the stumbling block of faith that is Jesus. Yet they
remain with our families and may even have shared our holidays together. We pray for these wayward ones and always remember that they, too, help make our families holy.