St. Francis Xavier
CATHOLIC
CHURCH
2 XAVIER CIRCLE • BIRMINGHAM, AL 35213
205-871-1153 • Fax: 205-871- 9831
www.sfxbirmingham.com
January 25, 2015
3rd Sunday in Ordinary Time
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 WEEK
Today the readings are fraught with a sense of urgency and immediacy in regards to our call to conversion. Jonah, having been sent by God to the people
of Ninevah, informed its inhabitants that they had forty days to repent of their
sins and reorient their lives toward God. In his correspondence with the Corinthians, Paul urged that they make their best possible use of the time they
had to bring their words and works into conformity with the ways and will of
God. In the gospel, Mark presents Jesus appearing in Galilee to proclaim the
imminence of the reign of God and to call the world to repentance and belief.
Sunday, January 25
PSR/CLW
Catholic Schools Week
9:45 am First Eucharist Workshop/PH
9:45 am Adult Education/MR
10:00 am Choir Warm-up/CP
11:00 am Catecismo/JR-SA
6:30 pm High School Youth/YR
In calling the first disciples, Jesus indicated that their response to him would
also necessitate a prompt reorientation of their lives. “They immediately
abandoned their nets and became his followers…I will make you fishers of
men.” We are reminded that God calls each of us to conversion and that this
call should be answered promptly and with a willingness to change – to grow
and to become more truer images of the God in whose likeness we were created.
Monday, January 26
6:30 pm Bible Study/MR
6:30 pm Middle School Youth/PH
7:00 pm HM Prayer Group/CP
We, then, must examine the quality of our response to God and the authenticity of our attempts at conversion. In our hearts, how have we responded to the
call of God? Have we been willing to reorient our lives in response to His
call and His Gospel? Have we sought to conform our lives to the Gospel, or
have we conformed the Gospel to our lives? Simon, Andrew, James and John
were called away from their families and from their maritime livelihood to
follow Christ and they willingly left all to embrace Him and His message.
The people of Ninevah were given forty days and they fasted and did penance
for their sins. If we were given forty days to reorient our lives, how would we
proceed? Some of us might use that time as an extended period of intense
introspection and prayer. Some of us could break a few bad habits and adopt
a few good ones. Some may use that time to mend those relationships that
have “cooled” because of pride, selfishness or stubbornness. Some of us may
even be as bold as to jettison an old grudge and to let go of those feelings of
anger and resentment that alienate us form each other. Although forty days
might not be sufficient time to completely unlearn and uproot a deep-seated
prejudice, it should be ample time to honestly admit to the injustice and to
begin to do something about it.
Some of us might use our forty days of turning back to God by turning our
care and attention toward the poor, needy, and neglected of society. Some of
us might resolve to become “full-time” Catholics whose every word, work,
choice and decision bear living witness to the faith we profess as opposed to
“part-time” Catholics whose Sunday experience of prayer and worship does
not “spill over” into or affect the rest of the week. As we seek to inculcate the
message of the Gospel into our lives, we must recognize the immediate need
of conversion. We must be willing to respond to the call of God as the first
disciples did and be willing to transform our hearts, our minds and our souls.
Unlike the people of Ninevah, we may not have forty days, therefore we must
begin today.
In Christ’s Love,
Tuesday, January 27
8:30 am Women’s Fellowship/JR
10:00 am School Choir/CH
3:30 pm Children’s Choir/CH
5:30 pm ELC Advisory Board/OCR
7:00 pm Knights of Columbus/JR
Wednesday, January 28
7:00 am Men’s Fellowship/JR
5:30 pm Children’s Ministry/MPR
7:00 pm Choir Practice/CH
7:00 pm RCIA/JR
Thursday, January 29
6:15 pm Bible Study/JR
7:00 pm Xavier Singers/CH
Friday, January 30
8:30 am Rosary/CP
6:00 pm Kid’s Night Out/PH
Saturday, January 31
Food Drive / Hospitality Weekend
8:30 am Flower Guild/CH
10:00 am Bible Study/MR
Sunday, February 1
Food Drive / Hospitality Weekend
PSR/CLW
9:45 am Ladies Sodality Meeting/BR
9:45 am Adult Education/MR
10:00 am Choir Warm-up/CP
11:00 am Catecismo/JR-SA
11:00 am HM Baptism Preparation/MR
6:30 pm High School Youth/YR
PAGE 3
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • JANUARY 25, 2015
WORSHIP & PRAYER
PRAYERS FOR THE SICK
MASS INTENTIONS
LEGACY GIVING
Eneida Brookings, 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, Jim
Handerhan, Dewey Hardeman,
Celeste Hayden, Matt Hebert, Mimi
Heebe, Patricia Hefner, Christopher
Johnson, Nathan Krauss, Nicolina
Koch, Sherrill Lackey, Marilyn Left,
Joe Mangina, Mary Mangina,
Matthew Mangina, Jeanette
Martinson, Shay McNamee, Mary
Nappi, Mary Rogers Owings, Charles
Partridge, Bryan Peralta, Bill Perrell,
Pat Perrell, Joann Piazza, Sharla
Pittman, Millie Ray, Lisa Sanders,
Lourdes Santiago, Debbie Sawyer,
Rick Schmid, Sarah Shahid, Annie
Smeraglia, Fe Smith, Denise Solsrud,
Helene Thacker, Peggy Trechsel, Nick
Valencia, Joel Welker, Lee Wright,
Virginia Zicarelli, Joe Zyne, Mary
Zyne
Monday, January 26
8:00 am—Sr. Mary Stella Williams,
OSB (RIP)
5:30 pm—Evelyn Smiley (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
Mary Catherine Gustin, sister of
Sonny Ferguson
James Coiro, brother of Kathy Coiro
Mary Evelyn Hunt, mother of Vickey
Williams
Esther Bulgarella, mother-in-law of
Myrna Bulgarella and grandmother of
Lisa Bowker and Joe Bulgarella
FLOWERS ON THE ALTAR
IN MEMORY OF
Matt Byrne
By His Loving Family
Tuesday, January 27
8:00 am—Sam & Lena Vacarella
(RIP)
7:00 pm—Brenda Bullock (INT)
Wednesday, January 28
6:30 am—Lynn Michalik (RIP)
9:00 am—Ann Olney (RIP)
5:30 pm—Ronald Harris (RIP)
Thursday, January 29
8:00 am—Carolyn Robinson (RIP)
5:30 pm—Billie Smith, Sr. (RIP)
Friday, January 30
8:00 am—Billie Smith, Jr. (INT)
Saturday, January 31
4:30 pm—Agnes Nguyen (INT)
Sunday, February 1
8:30 am—Meghan Miranda (RIP)
11:00 am—Arthur Sharbel (RIP)
1:00 pm—For the Parish
5:00 pm—Robert Berdahl (RIP)
MONTHLY MEMORIAL MASS
We will remember
our loved ones who
died last month and
all whose anniversary
of death is in January
at 5:30pm Mass on Thursday, February 5, in the Chapel. At this monthly
Memorial Mass, you are invited to
light a candle in memory of your deceased relative or friend, and write
their name in the Memorial Book.
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
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 18th ~ $17,240
PAGE 4
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
PARISH EVENTS
DIOCESAN NEWS
FAMILY VOCATIONS DAY
Celebrating "The Joy of the Gospel"
and the Year of Consecrated Life!
Our Lady of the Valley Catholic
Church in Birmingham is hosting a
Family Vocation Conference on Saturday, March 7, 2015 from 9—3pm. It is
a free event! The whole family is invited- children, youngsters to grandparents! Conference talks and activities will be given by various Religious
Orders serving our diocese as well as
Diocesan priests and more! There will
be a Talent Show and entertainment!
The day includes Mass, Eucharistic
Adoration, Family Lunch, the Rosary,
Confessions, and a Question & Answer session. Registration information is available at
www.birminghamvocations.com. Our
Lady of the Valley is located off of
Hwy 119 at 5514 Double Oak Lane,
Birmingham, AL 35242. For more
information, call (205) 838-2184.
THE BENEDICTINE SISTERS
RETREAT PRESENTS
A Lenten Journey: Exploring the Writings and Reflections of Pope Francis,
February 20 - 22, 2015. This retreat
will include reflections on the Pope's
life, his writings, and a particular vision which he lives out in a practical
way from day to day. How will you be
moved during this Lenten season to
help transform the face of the worldwide Church? Retreat Director: Fr.
Frank Muscolino, Priest of the Diocese of Birmingham Cost: Private
Room $210; Shared Room $185/
person (meals, linens, lodging, and
program included). For more info:
contact the retreat center
256-739-8302.
GALA TICKETS ON SALE THIS WEEKEND
Mardi Gras Gala tickets will be on sale after all Masses this
weekend. Tickets are $30 each which includes food, one drink
ticket and $500 of play money. New this year is the SFX
Sweepstakes. You can buy a $20 Sweepstakes ticket for a
chance to win $1500. The winner will be drawn at the end of
the Gala and you do not have to be present to win. This is a
great way to support this event if you are unable to attend.
THE LITTLE SISTERS OF THE POOR
The Little Sisters of the Poor will be with us at all the Masses to
seek our financial support for their ministry to the elderly poor.
The sisters are committed to welcoming the needy elderly, regardless of race, nationality or religion. They welcome the Elderly
Poor into their Home as Christ Himself and serve them with love
and respect until God calls them to Himself. Our generosity will be deeply
appreciated.
ST. ANNE’S BAND MINISTRY
Calling all families with young children! Please Join us Wednesday, February 4th
at 3:30 PM in the Joseph Room. We will be decorating Valentine's Day cards to
send to our homebound parishioners. All materials will be provided. Just come
with your family & join in the fun & fellowship! Hope to see you there!
WORLD DAY OF THE SICK
A Mass of Anointing of the Sick will be held on the World Day of the Sick,
Wednesday, February 11, at 5:30 p.m. in the Church. Special prayers will be
offered for caregivers and all healthcare professionals. Homilist is Father John
McDonald, and guest speaker is parishioner Brad Hawley.
TIME AWAY NOTICES
Liturgical Ministers, it is time to prepare the schedule for Ash Wednesday 2015
through May 2015. Blank Time Away Notices have been emailed or mailed; extra
copies are available in the Lay Sacristy and on the Information Center in the
church vestibule. Time Away Notices should be returned to Molly Knerl in the
Parish Office no later than February 4th. Thank you.
MEALS ON WHEELS
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]
SENIOR ACTIVITY DAY
Extra volunteers are needed to assist with our monthly Senior Activity Day in the
parish hall. If you can help occasionally or regularly, please contact the parish
office (871-1153) or Sister Sara (803-5414).
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • JANUARY 25, 2015
PAGE 5
DIOCESAN NEWS
EWTN EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Full Time Travel/Administrative Coordinator. Must have HS diploma, prefer
undergraduate degree in Business. Minimum 3 years’ office experience; adept
with Microsoft Office Suite. Excellent communication & organization skills,
detail oriented; basic accounting/budgeting knowledge. Valid AL driver’s
license. Candidate will coordinate logistics for guests including travel, transportation, and housing. Serve as a liaison with Finance/Accounting and provide reporting assistance to the COO. Send cover letter & resume
to [email protected].
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:
Full Time Custodian / Housekeeping. Must have HS diploma or GED; minimum 1 year experience in custodial, housekeeping maintenance. Ability to operate buffers & lift 25lbs or more. Valid AL driver’s license. Ability and willingness to follow specific instructions. Send cover letter & resume
to [email protected].
Full Time HR Generalist. Must have Undergraduate degree in HR, Sociology,
Business, or related field. PHR/SPHR preferred. Minimum of 5 years of HR Generalist experience with emphasis on recruiting and employee relations. Prefer 3
years’ experience with ADP HRIS. Assists the VP of HR in executing operational
processes in compliance with policies/procedures and local laws and regulations.
Duties include talent acquisition, employee relations, performance management,
training, and FMLA compliance. Send cover letter & resume to
[email protected].
A HOME SCHOOL RESOURCE CENTER—COMING TO
BIRMINGHAM, AL
A parent information meeting to learn about Regina Caeli Academy and a potential resource center for the 2015-16 academic year in the Birmingham area, will be
held on Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 2:00 pm. The location is Guadalupe Hall @
EWTN, 5817 Old Leeds Road, Irondale, AL 35217. Please RSVP to Lisa Bandura
at [email protected] or 205-902-1660 Regina Caeli Academy is resource
center in which students attend university style classes taught using the Socratic
method two days per week and are home schooled the remaining days. Our program is currently accepting applications for PreK3-12th grades at
www.rcahybrid.org. For more information contact Nikki Hand at 470-239-0259.
SLOW DOWN, PLEASE!
Over the past few weeks, we have
received some complaints about
cars driving too fast on Beech
Street coming to Masses on Sunday. Please slow down and be
aware of the children playing in
the area!!
“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!”
COLD AND FLU SEASON
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.
PAGE 6
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
EDUCATION NEWS
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER SCHOOL
St Francis Xavier School wishes everyone a great
Catholic schools Week. You are welcome to stop by our school
to tour our beautiful classrooms and see our academic programs.
We love to show everyone our school! Upcoming events:
Tuesday, January 27
Middle school holocaust speaker
Wednesday, January 28
School Mass at 9:00
Thursday, January 29
"All our students are Stars" movie event
Friday, January 30
Jump Rope for Hearts at
1:30
THE EARLY LEARNING CENTER
Catholic Schools Week- January 26-30
"Communities of Faith, Knowledge, and Service"
Canned food drive all week
Tuesday- School Spirit Day- Wear red and white to school
Wednesday- 3K & 4K go to Mass at 9:00- carpool will begin at 8:30
Thursday- Career Day- Dress as your favorite community helper or what you want to be when you grow up
Friday- Special snack to celebrate the food we collected in the canned food drive
Early Learning Center Registration begins this week!
SFX member registration is January 26-30.
Registration forms will be available in the Vestibule of the Church after all Masses this weekend. Registration forms are
also 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.
We welcome you to call 879-5596 or email [email protected] with any questions or to set up a tour.
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • JANUARY 25, 2015
PAGE 7
EDUCATION NEWS
ADULT EDUCATION
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
PSR RESUMES THIS SUNDAY
After our break for the long MLK, Jr. weekend, PSR classes resume in
their normal classrooms at 9:45 AM. We look forward to seeing our students back!
FIRST EUCHARIST WORKSHOP THIS SUNDAY
Join us for Adult fellowship on
Sunday, January 25th, 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”.
This Sunday morning at 9:45 AM in the Parish
Hall, our First Eucharist candidates will meet for
the first in a series of preparatory workshops leading toward their First Eucharist Mass on Saturday,
May 2. The girls and boys will play games, work
on crafts, and pray using the Luminous Mysteries
of the Rosary as the basis for our reflections.
Please keep our candidates and families in your
prayers at this special time!
SAINT OF THE WEEK—ST. THOMAS AQUINAS
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.
St. Thomas Aquinas (1225 - 1274) was an Italian
monk who was called the "dumb ox" in school
because he was big and quiet. He was certainly
no dummy! In fact, he was so enlightened by his
close life with the Lord and by his studies that so
much Catholic theology today is based on his
writings. Yet before he died, Thomas said that all
he knew was as worthless as straw compared to
knowing Jesus. He is the patron saint of students,
and his feast day is January 28th.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS—VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL
COMING JUNE 8—12
Families - please mark your calendars in advance! Our Vacation Bible
School program will return June 8-12 this summer. VBS is always a faithfilled fun time - if a parent or young person is interested in helping plan or
host our VBS, please contact Daniel McCormick at 803-5422.
PAGE 8
ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CHURCH • BIRMINGHAM, ALABAMA
YOUTH & CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
YOUTH NEWS
The youth group had a great time at the March for Life on January 17th
where they marched and prayed for life! The youth created, and proudly
carried a sign saying "A person is a person no matter how small." Our
Middle School youth had so much fun at their Lock-In on Friday, January 23rd where they continued supporting the Pro-Life movement by
donating baby items to Her Choice women's center.
Upcoming Youth
Events:
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY
Join Us!
Wednesday, January 28th
Jesus’ Love is Stronger
High School Youth
Youth Night
Sunday, January
25th
6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the Youth Room
Middle School
Youth
Youth Night
Monday, Feb. 2nd
6:00-8:00 p.m.
In the Parish Hall
5:30pm Multi-purpose Room
Friday, January 30th
Pictures from Paintball Activity and March for Life.
6—8pm Multi-purpose Room
$5 per child
In every age consecrated men
and women must continue to be
images of Christ the Lord, fostering through prayer a profound communion of mind with him.
—Pope John Paul II,
Apostolic Exhortation Vita Consecrata, no. 9
PAGE 9
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • JANUARY 25, 2015
HISPANIC MINISTRY
INFORMATION ON IMMIGRATION
Naturalization
Naturalization is the process by which eligible legal immigrants become U.S.
citizens. Through the naturalization process, immigrants display a willingness to
become full members of our society. The process is not an easy one. It requires
that immigrants live in the U.S. for a certain number of years, learn our language, study our history and government, show that they are of “good moral
character” and have not committed serious crimes and, finally, swear allegiance
to the United States. Over time, most immigrants become citizens.
The Naturalization Process
Eligibility: An applicant for citizenship must be at least 18 years of age, and
must have resided continuously in the U.S. as a Legal Permanent Resident for at
least five years prior to filing. Permanent residents who have been married to a
U.S. citizen for three years are eligible to apply for citizenship. There are special
expedited provisions for immigrants serving in the armed forces during a designated period of armed conflict. Children who are adopted from another country
automatically have U.S. citizenship conferred to them as long as one or both parents are U.S. citizens, the child is under 18, and the child is legally residing in
the U.S. with the U.S. citizen parent or parents. Immigrants must be of “good
moral character,” usually determined by checking with the FBI for any record of
a criminal background. A person must also demonstrate an ability to speak, read,
and write ordinary English and have a general understanding of U.S. government
and history. Long-time older permanent residents are exempt from the English
requirement if they are 50 years or older and have been living in the U.S. for at
least 20 years, or if they are 55 years or older and have been living in the U.S.
for at least 15 years. These immigrants must still demonstrate knowledge of U.S.
history and government, but they may do so in their native language. Certain
persons with disabilities are exempt from the requirement to demonstrate
knowledge of U.S. history and government.
Interview: After submitting an application and fee to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), an appointment is made with the applicant to take
his or her fingerprints, which are checked by the FBI. An interview is then
scheduled with the applicant, during which an immigration examiner reviews the
application and determines if the applicant meets the requirements for U.S. citizenship. To demonstrate English proficiency and knowledge of U.S. history and
government, the applicant must be prepared to answer several history and civics
questions. They may also be asked to read a sentence or brief passage from a
USCIS textbook, and to write a sentence dictated by the examiner. Oath and
Swearing-In: Approved candidates for citizenship must take an Oath of Renunciation and Allegiance, giving up foreign allegiances and titles and swearing to
support and defend the Constitution and laws of the U.S. If the person has a severe disability preventing him or her from understanding, or communicating an
understanding of, the meaning of the Oath, the person may obtain a waiver of the
Oath requirement. The final step in the naturalization process is the swearing-in
ceremony, which can take place before a judge or in an administrative ceremony.
UPCOMING EVENTS
Sunday, January 26
7:00 pm Prayer Group/CP
Monday, January 27
7:00 pm Spanish Mass/CP
Tuesday, January 20
7:00 pm Spanish Mass/CP
8:00 pm Choir Practice/BR
Sunday, February 1
11:00 am Catecismo/SA-JR
11:00 am Baptism Prep/JR
11:00 am Family Catequesis/MR
12:30 pm Rosary/CP
1:00 pm Misa
Pope Francis says...
“The Church is catholic because she is
the space, the home in which the faith
is proclaimed to us in its entirety, in
which the salvation brought to us by
Christ is offered to everyone. The
Church is catholic because she is universal, she is spread abroad through
every part of the world and she proclaims the Gospel to every man
and to every woman. The Church is not
a group of elite; she does not only concern the few. The Church has no limits;
she is sent to the totality of people, to
the totality of the human race.
And the one Church is present even in
her smallest parts...”
Pope Francis, General Audience,
October 9, 2013
Hospitality Weekend
Next Weekend
January 31—February 1
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 31—FEBRUARY 1: 4TH SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME
Date
Extraordinary
Ministers
L. Byrne
B. Herlihy
January 31 N. Kassouf
4:30 pm P. Scalici
C. Sellers
M. Sellers
K. Tucker*
Saturday
Sunday
February 1
8:30 am
Sunday
Febraury 1
11:00 am
Sunday
February 1
5:00 pm
Lector
Ushers
J. Colemn, Jr.
P. Maldia
C. Herlihy
J. Buckley
R. Byrne
S. Byrne
R. Carmody
J. Garrett
L. Kirk
B. Moore*
A. Naughton
B. Tatarek
T. Holt
J. Nicholson
J. J. Antonio*
J. Antonio*
S. Curtin
P. Deinlein
M. Rohling
A. Rohling
S. Rookis
D. Schilleci
M. Shows
G. Gumina
B. Parish
C. Aycock
M. Giles
M. Nurre
P. Nurre
T. Palladino
B. Peterson*
J. Walston
D. Nanos
M. Tassel
D. White
S. Rookis
Greeters
Altar Servers
M. Anderton
K. Collier
M. Bacher
W. Connery
I. Bacher
J. Coleman III
J. Coleman Jr.
J. O’Hagan
C. Sellers
A. Griffin-SS
Is. Maldia-CB
Volunteer-AS
F. Maldia-AS
C. Anthony
M. Arnold
W. Garrett
A. Lessa
R. Lorino
C. Romei
H. Williams
Volunteer
S. Anthony
Volunteer
T. Byrne-SS
M. M. Byrne.-AS
A. E. Byrne-AS
R. Kirk-AS
D. Deinlein
A. Falletta
G. Gumina
J. Hinnegan
M. Keely
B. Parish
D. Schmalz
Volunteer
L. Lucas
J. Lucas
E. Harvey-SS
J. Harvey-CB
Z. Shunnarah-AS
E. Shunnarah-AS
Volunteers
A. Vaphiades
J. Duprat-SS
A. Drummond-CB
P. Drummond-AS
N. Drummond-AS
Sacristans
K. Beadlecomb
S. Anthony
M. Cannova
J. Biasini
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.
3RD SUNDAY IN ORDINARY TIME • JANUARY 25, 2015
PAGE 11
DIOCESAN NEWS
12TH ANNUAL STRONG MEN STRONG FAITH CATHOLIC
MEN’S CONFERENCE
Deacon Harold Burke-Sivers from Oregon, will present in two hours what it
means to be a strong man of strong faith in the world today. Conferences will be
held in Huntsville and Birmingham: Sunday, February 15 in Huntsville at Holy
Spirit and Monday, February 16 in Birmingham at St. Peter’s in Hoover. In Huntsville, the event begins at 6pm and concludes at 8pm. In Birmingham, the event
will take place from 7pm and concludes at 9pm. Ash Wednesday is February 18,
making this an excellent opportunity to men to prepare for Lent 2015.
The pre-event online registration fee is only $10 or $15 at the door on the night of
the event. Clergy are admitted at no charge.
Next weekend
January 31—February 1
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