St. Francis Xavier
CATHOLIC
CHURCH
2 XAVIER CIRCLE • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213
205-871-1153 • Fax: 205-871- 9831
www.sfxbirmingham.com
January 11, 2015
The Baptism of the Lord
Rev. Robert Sullivan, Pastor
Rev. John McDonald, Associate Pastor
Very Rev. Gregory Bittner, J.C.L., In Residence
OFFICE HOURS
Monday—Thursday ............ 8:00 am to 4:00 pm
Friday ................................. 8:00 am to 12 Noon
LITURGICAL SCHEDULE
MASS TIMES
Monday ............................... 8:00 am & 5:30 pm
Tuesday ................................................. 8:00 am
Wednesday ........... 6:30 am, 8:00 am & 5:30 pm
(except Wed/Sept—May/9:00 am)
Thursday ............................. 8:00 am & 5:30 pm
Friday .................................................... 8:00 am
Saturday ................................................ 4:30 pm
Sunday................ 8:30 am, 11:00 am & 5:00 pm
MISA EN ESPAÑOL
Martes ................................................... 7:00 pm
Domingo ............................................... 1:00 pm
HOLY DAY SCHEDULE
Check the bulletin for Mass times.
MEMORIAL MASS
First Thursday ....................................... 5:30 pm
ADORATION OF THE
BLESSED SACRAMENT
First Friday ............................ 8:30 am–6:00 pm
First Tuesday ........ 7:30 pm–8:30 pm in Spanish
SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION
Saturday ......... 3:30–4:15 pm or by appointment
BAPTISMAL PREPARATION CLASS
Contact the parish office to register.
MARRIAGE
A six month preparation is required.
Contact the parish office to speak to the
priest to begin the process.
PARISH MEMBERSHIP
All families and individuals are welcome at St. Francis Xavier
Church. Parish registration forms are located in the
vestibule of the church, the Parish Office, or on our website.
MISSION STATEMENT
We, the faith family of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church,
empowered by the Holy Spirit and strengthened by Prayer,
Sacraments and the Word, are pilgrim people striving to become faithful and committed followers of Jesus Christ.
In response to our Gospel call, we seek to be a viable and
welcoming community which ministers to the People of God
through responsible stewardship of our time, talent and treasure.
Adopted by the Pastoral Council ~ January 23, 2006
PAGE 2
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
PASTOR’S PAGE
A LETTER FROM FATHER
This past Sunday evening the young people of our parish presented the
“Christmas Story” through the Epiphany Program. It was a wonderful recap
as our Christmas season was drawing to a close. It was a great program. If
you did not have a chance to attend, you will definitely want to put it on your
calendar for next year.
Today we celebrate the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. It provides us a
wonderful opportunity to reflect on the Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary.
In 2002, Pope John Paul II wrote a letter to all Catholics regarding the Rosary. In this letter, which was entitled The Most Holy Rosary, Pope John Paul
II announced the addition of the Luminous Mysteries to the Rosary history in
addition to the traditional mysteries of the rosary (Joyful, Sorrowful and Glorious).
The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary or the Mysteries of Light, as they are
also called, focus on the public life of Jesus, the years He was preaching
spanning the time between His Baptism and His death. They are called the
Mysteries of Light because Jesus is the light of the World.
Jesus as the light is mentioned several times in St. John's Gospel. "And the
light shines in darkness: and the darkness did not overcome it. There was a
man sent from God, whose name was John. This man came for a witness, to
give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. He was
not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. That was the true light,
which enlightens every man that comes into this world" (John 1:5-9).
"While I am in the world, I am the light of the world" (John 9:5).
Pope John Paul II felt that it was important to add these mysteries to the history of the rosary because there was a gap between the childhood of Jesus
that is meditated upon during the Joyful Mysteries and the suffering and
death of Jesus that is meditated upon during the Sorrowful Mysteries. He
also added them to revive interest in the Rosary which in his words illustrate
an "ocean of joy and of light, of suffering and of glory" in the lives of Jesus
and Mary.
The Luminous Mysteries of the Rosary are: The Baptism of Jesus by John
the Baptist in the River Jordan; The first miracle of Jesus at the wedding in
Cana; Jesus proclaiming the Kingdom of God, his preaching and teaching;
Transfiguration of Jesus on Mt. Tabor when He revealed Himself as God's
Son; and The Institution of the Eucharist at the Last Supper.
Just like the other mysteries, you can meditate on the mysteries of the life of
Jesus with His mother, Mary, the Mother of God.
In Christ’s Love,
THIS WEEK
Sunday, January 11
PSR/CLW
9:45 am First Eucharist Parent Mtg/PH
9:45 am Adult Education/MR
10:00 am Choir Warm-up/CP
11:00 am Catecismo/JR-SA
2:00 pm Meeting for Immigration/PH
6:00 pm High School Youth/YR
Monday, January 12
6:00 pm Middle School Youth/PH
6:00 pm SFX Advisory Board/SL
6:30 pm Bible Study/MR
7:00 pm HM Prayer Group/CP
Tuesday, January 13
8:30 am Women’s Fellowship/JR
10:00 am School Choir/CH
3:00 pm Scouts/MPR
3:00 pm Scouts/JR
3:30 pm Children’s Choir/CH
7:00 pm Sacristan Workshop/JR
7:30 pm Holy Hour/CP
Wednesday, January 14
7:00 am Men’s Fellowship/JR
5:30 pm Children’s Ministry/PH
7:00 pm Choir Practice/CH
7:00 pm RCIA/JR
Thursday, January 15
6:15 pm Bible Study/JR
7:00 pm Xavier Singers/CH
Friday, January 16
3:00 pm Scouts/JR
5:00 pm Rehearsal/CH
Saturday, January 17
10:00 am Bible Study/MR
12:00 pm Baptism/CH
1:00 pm Baptisms/CH
6:30 pm Wedding/CH
Sunday, January 18
NO PSR/CLW
9:45 am Baptism/CH
10:00 am Choir Warm-up/CP
11:00 am Catecismo/JR-SA
2:30 pm Baptisms/CH
PAGE 3
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 11, 2015
WORSHIP & PRAYER
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
MASS INTENTIONS
LEGACY GIVING
Winifred Butler, Jane Byrne, Maggie
Carey, Richard Choat, Ann Coley,
Emily Cusimano, Bob Doody, John
Douglas, Steven Earwood, Jack
Garner, Katie Golden, Claudia
Guarino, Mary Jo Hamre, Dewey
Hardeman, Celeste Hayden, Matt
Hebert, Mimi Heebe, Patricia Hefner,
Christopher Johnson, Hannah Joyner,
Nicolina Koch, Marilyn Left, Joe
Mangina, Mary Mangina, Matthew
Mangina, Jeanette Martinson, Shay
McNamee, Mary Nappi, Mary Rogers
Owings, Charles Partridge, Bill
Perrell, Pat Perrell, Joann Piazza,
Sharla Pittman, Millie Ray, Lourdes
Santiago, Debbie Sawyer, Rick
Schmid, Sarah Shahid, Annie
Smeraglia, Fe Smith, Denise Solsrud,
Helene Thacker, Peggy Trechsel, Nick
Valencia, Lee Wright, Virginia
Zicarelli, Joe Zyne, Mary Zyne
Monday, January 12
8:00 am—Louis Mesrano (RIP)
5:30 pm—David Corey (RIP)
Ensure the future of St. Francis Xavier
Church and School. Please remember
the church and school in your will and
let us know when you do. For more
information on Legacy Giving options,
please speak with Fr. Bob Sullivan.
PRAYERS FOR OUR
BELOVED DECEASED
Cecil Coghlan, husband to Mayte
Coghlan, father of Leslie, Harold,
Michael and Anthony Coghlan and
grandfather of Andrew and Gabby
Janice Anderton, mother of Michael
Anderton, Lynn Massey, and Dianne
Agnew, and grandmother of
Catherine, Rachel and Paul
Redmond Wheeler Flemming,
parishioner
WEDDING BANNS
January 17, 2015
Mary McDaniel & Darryl Sheets
Tuesday, January 13
8:00 am—Art Sharbel (RIP)
7:00 pm—Ralph Bertella, Sr. (RIP)
Wednesday, January 14
6:30 am—Dana Miller (RIP)
9:00 am—Dr. Rogelio Martinez (RIP)
5:30 pm—Joe Rookis (RIP)
Thursday, January 15
8:00 am—Frances Ross (RIP)
5:30 pm—Patricia Skellie (RIP)
Friday, January 16
8:00 am—Mulkin Family (INT)
Saturday, January 17
4:30 pm—Matt Byrne (RIP)
Sunday, January 18
8:30 am—Long Do (RIP)
11:00 am—Art Sharbel (RIP)
1:00 pm—Rick Eaglehouse (RIP)
5:00 pm—For the Parish
THE MAGIS FUND
In the Spring of 2013, the Magis Fund
was established to strengthen the continuance of Catholic education for families
at St. Francis Xavier School. The
Magis Fund assists those families and
students, outside the normal financial aid
process, who, due to change in circumstances beyond their control, are
presented with an emergency need for
financial assistance. The Fund provides
financial assistance for students whose
circumstances might otherwise force
them to leave our school and lose the
support of a caring, loving and Christian
environment. Interested individuals are
encouraged to donate to this important
fund by calling the church office at
871-1153.
ONLINE GIVING
SACRAMENT OF THE
ANOINTING OF THE SICK
Please inform Pastoral Care Ministry of
anyone homebound, shut-in or hospitalized so that they may receive the
Sacraments. Please call Sister Sara at
803-5414.
St. Francis Xavier offers Online Giving
for parishioners who like to make donations electronically. Online Giving is a
secure and personalized way to give to
the Parish. Online Giving can stand on
its own as a means of donation or can be
used in conjunction with your offering
envelopes. Sign up for Online Giving by
visiting our parish website at
www.sfxbirmingham.com.
STEWARDSHIP
“How shall I repay the Lord for his goodness to me?” —Psalm 116
January 4th ~ $18,057
PAGE 4
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
PARISH EVENTS
MASS OFFERINGS
SENIOR ADULT ACTIVITY
The monthly SFX Senior Activity Day will be held Thursday, January 22, beginning with Mass at 11:00 a.m. in the chapel, followed by lunch and an hour of bingo
in the Parish Hall. Reservations are required for lunch (871-1153 no later than
Tuesday, Jan. 20). A donation of $7.00 covers the cost of lunch and bingo.
MEALS ON WHEELS—NEEDS YOU!
Can you give an hour of your time one day each month? We are in
need of volunteers to deliver Meals on Wheels. If you can help and
volunteer with this important ministry, please call Marlyss Giles at
868-3607 or email at [email protected]
COLD AND FLU SEASON
The custom of requesting a priest to
offer the Mass for a specific intention, even when one cannot be physically present at the Mass, is a
longstanding tradition in the Church.
This is because the Church considers
the Mass the greatest possible prayer
of intercession insofar as it is the perfect offering of Christ to the Father
by making present the Paschal Mystery of his death and resurrection.
Because of the particular role of the
priest as mediator between God and
man, acting "in persona Christi"
when offering the holy sacrifice of
the Mass, special graces may be obtained when he applies the Mass to a
particular intention. Masses may be
offered for any person, living or deceased. Mass Intentions can be requested through the Parish Office.
During this cold and flu season, please use your good judgment when
deciding whether to receive the Precious Blood or hold hands for the
Our Father.
SAVE THE DATE
February 7, 2015
The SFX Home & School Association will be hosting a Casino
Night Gala on February 7, 2015 in the parish hall and gym. The
Gala will feature casino style games such as black jack, craps,
roulette and poker. There will be food, cocktails, music, and a
silent auction. Currently we are looking for businesses or families who would like to help sponsor this event. In addition to sponsorships, we
are also seeking items that could be donated to the silent auction. (sports or entertainments tickets, autographs, vacation homes, condos, gift certificates, etc.) If
you would like to become a sponsor, or know someone who might be willing to
make a silent auction donation, please contact Karin Perrin email:
[email protected] or call: 746-0234, for all the details.
PARISH GOOD NEWS
Members of the St. Francis Altar
Sodalities, Men’s Fellowship and
Women’s Fellowship delivered
meals from December 21st—25th to
the firemen at Station 26 located on
Montclair Road. Pictured with the
firemen on Christmas Day is the
Walter Scott Family.
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 11, 2015
PAGE 5
PARISH EVENTS
THE EPIPHANY PROGRAM
WORLD MEETING OF
FAMILIES PRAYER
Pope Francis has asked all Catholics
worldwide to use the months ahead as
a time of preparation & prayer for the
World Meeting of Families to be held
in Philadelphia, September, 2015:
“God and Father of us all, in Jesus,
your Son and our Savior, You have
made us Your sons and daughters in
the family of the Church. May Your
grace and love help our families in
every part of the world be united to
one another in fidelity to the Gospel.
May the example of the Holy Spirit,
guide all families, especially those
most troubled, to be homes of communion and prayer and to always
seek Your truth and live in Your love.
Through Christ our Lord, Amen
Jesus, Mary and Joseph, pray for us!”
The Family Life Commission would like to
say a Huge Thank You
to all who helped
with all the
Costumes and singing,
Nancy Grundhoefer &
Michael Savela for coordinating the music and all the parents that helped out
with practices and especially all the lovely children and youth that participated.
Thank you Vickie Battles for the great pictures!
PAGE 6
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
EDUCATION NEWS
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL
St. Francis Xavier School welcomes your interest! We will
begin registration for the 2015-2016 school year on January
27th (New Kindergarten students) and February 9th
(New 1st-8th graders). Please contact our
office or stop by for a school tour or more
information.
Upcoming Events:
Wednesday, January 14th
School Mass at 9:00a
Monday, January 19th
MLK Jr. NO SCHOOL
Tuesday, January 20th
Home and School Meeting at
6:00p
THE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Registration for the 2015-2016 School year for current students
begins Monday, January 12th.
Registration for SFX church members and siblings of current
students begins Monday, January 26th.
Registration forms are available on the ELC website at
sfxelc.com or by calling the ELC office at 879-5596.
We look forward to helping you begin your child's education.
Please call 879-5596 or email [email protected] to
set up a tour.
January 19th- MLK Day- No School
Pre-school Registration Begins Soon
PAGE 7
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 11, 2015
EDUCATION NEWS
ADULT EDUCATION
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PSR CATECHIST MEETINGS THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, January 11 in the Parish Hall, PSR catechists will meet at
either 8:30 or 11 AM for a short meeting regarding new events and
materials this year. Donuts and drinks will be available, and there will be an
activity for children who attend with their parents.
Join us for Adult fellowship on
January 11th, 2015 at 9:45am in the Mary
Room. Glenn Waldrop, parishioner, will
kick off the New Year with an informative
and interesting topic, “Truth & Authority:
The Myth of the Cafeteria Catholic”.
No Meeting on Sunday January 18th, 2015
~ MLK Holiday
ADULT BIBLE STUDY
Join us January – April Saturday mornings @ 10:00 or Monday evenings @ 6:15
in the Mary Room for a bible study based
on the Psalms by Jeff Cavins Monday nights
and Saturday mornings.
"We hear the Psalms read or sung at every
Mass between the first and second readings,
but do we understand their significance?
The Psalms are at the heart of the Bible.
They are prayers from God that help us learn
to pray. The Holy Spirit inspired them. Israel sang them. Christ himself prayed them, as
did our Blessed Mother. These sacred
hymns become our heartfelt response to
God’s loving and wondrous deeds for us.
Their words captivate the imagination and
draw us into a deeply personal encounter
with God.". Contact Theresa Brown
at [email protected] or 205-640-3944 for
more information.
Coming in February Part II of the
Symbolon series Thursdays @ 6:15pm in
the Joseph Room.
“Living the Faith” focuses on our encounter
with God in the sacraments and moral life.
Please watch the bulletin for details.
FIRST COMMUNION PARENTS MEETING
THIS SUNDAY
This Sunday, January 11, at 9:45 AM in the Parish
Hall, families of our First Communion candidates will
gather for an informational meeting on our upcoming
program events and to reflect on this special time in the lives of their
children. If you are a parent with a child in our First Communion program,
please be sure to join us!
CONFIRMATION SERVICE TRIP TO FIRST LIGHT
This Wednesday, January 14th, a
team of youth volunteers from our
Confirmation program will serve
dinner to the women and children at
the downtown First Light women's
shelter. Please continue to pray for
our Confirmation candidates as they
approach the sacrament and as they
find ways to serve the Lord through
serving others.
Vocation View
This is National Vocation Awareness Week. Delight in God’s
call to you in baptism. What grace do you need to strengthen
your commitment? Remember, God has set you as a covenant
to the people. (Isaiah 42:1—4, 6—7))
For those who are discerning God’s call, that they may listen
attentively and respond generously, we pray.
Sponsored by the St. John Vianney Society
PAGE 8
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
YOUTH NEWS
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Join Us!
Wednesday,
January 21st
Behold, the Lamb
of God
at 5:30 p.m.
Multi-purpose Room
PAGE 9
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 11, 2015
HISPANIC MINISTRY
THREE KINGS DAY
UPCOMING EVENTS
On Sunday, January 4th during the Spanish Mass, our church was packed full
with members of our Hispanic Community who came to celebrate the Epiphany and "El Día de Los Tres Reyes Magos" (Three Kings Day). This is one of
the many beautiful traditions of our Hispanic community. Three men dress up
as "Los Tres Reyes Magos" (Three Kings) and process down the aisle and then
kneel in front of the Nativity to pray. After the Mass, it is custom for the
priests to give out candy to the children and on Jan. 4th there were at least 350
children who participated in the celebration.
Sunday, January 11
11:30 am Catecismo
11:30 am Family Catechist
12:30 pm Rosario
1:00 pm Misa
2:00 pm Meeting for Immigration
Monday, January 12th
7:00 pm Prayer Group
Tuesday, January 13th
7:00 pm Spanish Mass
Saturday, January 17th
1:00 pm Baptisms
Sunday, January 18th
11:30 am Hispanic PSR
11:30 am Catechesis Workshop
12:30 pm Rosary
1:00 pm Spanish Mass
2:30 pm Baptisms
This
Sunday
Martes 7:00 p.m.
Domingo 1:00 p.m.
2:00 to 5:00pm
Parish Hall
PAGE 10
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
LITURGY
HELPFUL
INFORMATION
Change of Name/Address/
Phone: Please notify the
Parish Office at 871-1153 with
any change in your membership information.
New Parishioners:
Welcome! Registration forms
are available in the vestibule of
the Church or on our website
at: www.sfxbirmingham.com
Drop them by the reception
desk located in the Parish
Office or in the collection
basket at Mass.
Baptismal Preparation
Class: Required and held the
second Sunday of each month
at 6:00pm. Preregistration is
required. Contact Molly Knerl
at 803-5417 to register for the
class.
Sacrament of First
Eucharist: Preparation is a
two-year process. Enrollment
in Catholic school or Parish
School of Religion is required
the year prior to receiving the
Sacrament.
Sacrament of Marriage:
A six month preparation is
required. Call the Parish Office
at 871-1153 for information
and to register for the preparation process.
Sacrament of Reconciliation:
Held on Saturdays from
3:30—4:15pm or by appointment. Contact the Parish
Office 871-1153.
JANUARY 17—JANUARY 18: 2ND SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Date
Extraordinary
Ministers
Lector
Ushers
C. Aycock
L. Byrne
January 17 P. Rookis
4:30 pm C. Sellers
M. Sellers
M. Thornton*
K. Tucker
M. Thornton
M. Varagona
S. Anthony
A. Brown
January 18 R. Carmody
8:30 am J. Garrett
P. Landry
A. Naughton
M. Raczynski
B. Tatarek*
D. White
M. Brown
B. Moore
J. J. Antonio
J. Antonio
January 18 P. Deinlein
M. Rohling
11:00 am A. Rohling
S. Rookis*
M. Shows
P. Sparks
L. Sparks
D. Haviland
R. Ippolito
P. Galloway
M. Giles
January 18 A. Linder*
5:00 pm V. Linder
D. Nanos
Y. Peterson
J. Walston
L. Barber
C. Elder
Saturday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
J. Coleman III
P. Scalici
A. Perry
Greeters
Altar Servers
M. Anderton
K. Collier
M. Bacher
S. Mangina
I. Bacher
J. Coleman Jr.
J. O’Hagan
C. Sellers
Volunteer
M. G. Lorino-SS
A. Griffin-CB
M. Jackson-AS
M. Lorino-AS
C. Anthony
J. Buckley
W. Garrett
A. Leesa
C. Romei
H. Williams
Volunteers
J. Miree
T. Scalici
W. Williams-SS
M:. Brown Jr.-AS
Mc. Brown-AS
L. Reich-AS
D. Deinlein
A. Falletta
G. Gumina
J. Hinnegan
M. Keely
B. Parish
D. Schmalz
S. Williams
M. Balch
A. Martinez-SS
Z. Shunnarah-CB
J. Bridges-AS
A. Courtenay-AS
Volunteers
Volunteer
Sacristans
P. Perri
C. Beadlecomb
M. Glitz
J. Duprat-SS
P. Elder-CB
R. Elder-AS
M. M. Elder-AS
B. Peterson
HAVE YOU RECENTLY MOVED?
Please help keep our parish records current
(PLEASE PRINT)
NAME:______________________________________________TEL. #________________
OLD ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________
NEW ADDRESS:____________________________________________________________
E-MAIL:___________________________________________________________________
MAIL TO: SFX · 2 XAVIER · CIRCLE · BIRMINGHAM · AL 35213
or drop in our parish office.
THE BAPTISM OF THE LORD • JANUARY 11, 2015
PAGE 11
DIOCESAN NEWS
MAGNIFICAT PRAYER LUNCHEON
On Saturday, January 24 at St. Elias Parish Hall, 836 8th Street
South, Birmingham from 11:30am to 2:30pm will be our
Magnificat Prayer Luncheon. Join us along with our guest
speaker, Melinda McNamee. Tickets are $10.00 and are available from our Ticket Chairwoman, Catherine Patton 680-6007.
Tickets are also available from any Service Team Member and
from Alpha Church Supply and Gifts, 121 West Valley Ave.
Birmingham. Ticket sales end on Wednesday, January 21st at
5:00pm. NO tickets are sold at the door!
BIRMINGHAM-STATEWIDE MARCH FOR LIFE
Saturday, January 17, 10:45am, at Brother Bryan Park,
22nd St. and 10th Ave., Respect Life Mass 9:00am, at the
Cathedral of St. Paul, 2120 3rd Ave. N. Birmingham. Visit
our website for more information:
www.BirminghamMarchforLife.com
HELPFUL CONTACTS
Parish Office: 871-1153
Fax: 871-9831
Pastoral Care: 803-5414
Hispanic Ministry: 803-5421
Finance: 803-5418
Secretary: 803-5426
Music Ministry: 803-5415
Religious Education: 803-5422
Liturgy: 803-5417
Family Life Ministry: 803-5411
Bulletin Editor: 803-5426
Youth Ministry: 803-5402
Children’s Ministry: 803-5425
St. Francis Xavier School: 871-1687
Early Learning Center: 879-5596
Catholic Center of Concern: 786-4388