705 e. brandon blvd., brandon, fl nativity catholic church - final.pdf · too often we merely...

1 www.nativitycatholicchurch.org 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL

Nativity Catholic Church July 16, 2017 705 E. Brandon Blvd., Brandon, FL

Pastor: Rev. John Tapp Pastor Emeritus: Rev. Msgr James C. Lara Parochial Vicar: Rev. Felipe Gonzalez Rev. Belisario Riveros Deacons: Rev. Dr. Mark Taylor Rev. Mr. Robert Harris Rev. Mr. Elix Castro Church Office: 813.681.4608 School: 813.689.3395 Faith Formation:813.689.9101 Youth Ministry: 813.689.4147 Pastoral Care: 813.413.8351 Food Pantry: 813.694.0541

Weekend Masses Saturday Vigil Masses 4:00PM (ASL Interpreted) 4:00PM Español (Capilla) Sunday Masses 7:00, 8:30, 10:30AM 10:30AM Family Mass (Chapel) 12:30PM Español 6:00PM LifeTeen

Daily Masses 7:00AM (Monday through Friday) 8:00AM (Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri, Sat) 8:15AM (Wednesday) 7:00PM (Español—Martes y Viernes) Morning Prayer 7:45AM (Monday through Saturday) Confession Schedule Saturday in Church 3:00 to 4:00PM 5:00 to 5:30PM Adoration Friday in Chapel 8:45AM to 6:45PM

Mass Schedule

“Joyfully and faithfully evangelizing for Christ!”

Fifteenth Sunday in Ordinary Time Nativity Life Force goes to

Hidden Lake Camp

Adventures completed, fun experienced, young lives transformed in Christ!

Nativity Catholic Church 2 July 9, 2017

From the Pastor’s Desk Incredible Faith – This week, and for the past several weeks, our second reading comes from St. Paul’s Letter to the Romans. More than likely, Paul wrote this letter to the Romans while he was he was in Corinth. He was about to travel to Jerusalem – where he would eventually be arrested. From there, he was sent to Rome in chains as a prisoner. While writing this letter, Paul had the clear sense of how his future would unfold. Through it all, however, he is surprisingly upbeat. His deep faith in God is evident in today’s passage: I consider that the sufferings of this present time are as nothing compared with the glory to be revealed for us. In good times and in bad, St. Paul always kept his focus on the living God. For him, faith did not mean freedom from suffering. Having faith didn’t guarantee that he would never struggle. But having faith meant that St. Paul could face any adversity – knowing all the while that God sustained him – in this life and in the life to come. Someone once said: When you are down to nothing . . . God is up to something! Faith sees the invisible, believes the incredible, and receives the impossible! St. Paul, strengthen our faith. Help us to be people of hope. May we come to know our living and loving God as you did. St. Paul, pray for us. Why Go To Church? I recently came across this story:

A Church goer wrote a letter to the editor of a newspaper and complained that it made no sense to go to Church every weekend. “I’ve gone for 30 years now,” he wrote, “and in that time I have heard something like 3,000 homilies. But for the life of me, I can’t remember a single one of them. So, I think I’m wasting my time and the priests are wasting theirs by giving homilies at all.”

This started a real controversy in the “Letters to the Editor” column, much to the delight of the editor. It went on for weeks until someone wrote this clincher:

“I’ve been married for 30 years now. In that time my wife has cooked some 32,000 meals. But for the life of me, I cannot recall the entire menu for a single one of those meals. But I do know this. They all nourished me and gave me the strength I needed to do my work. If my wife had not given me these meals, I would be physically dead today. Likewise, if I had not gone to Mass for nourishment, I would be spiritually dead today!”

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of each Mass and the blessing of partaking in your Eucharistic Banquet. May this feast nourish us and fill us with your life. May we generously share that life with others – because that’s what your love does to us and how it works in us. ~Fr. Tapp

Weekly Reflection for July 16, 2017 Fifteentth Sunday in Ordinary Time

(courtesy of catholicsteward.com) In today’s Gospel Reading from St. Matthew, Christ is asked why He speaks in parables. His response in part is the statement, “To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away.” Christ’s parables, of which there are many, may not always make sense to us, unless we consider them carefully. Christ’s speaking in and relating to parables has everything to do with what we call The Word. If we listen conscientiously to the Word (represented by our readings at Masses and to the homily we hear), we may, and perhaps even should, grasp the meaning. The Word is filled with the deeper truths of the Bible. God opens our eyes and ears to these truths, but we must be amenable to them and must be willing to try to understand them. Too often we merely listen and do not hear. We go through the motions, when our total concentration should be on what we are being told. First of all we need to appreciate that only God can open the eyes and ears of each of us. One of the popular phrases about stewardship is “an attitude of gratitude.” That is so important. On a bad day, even the most hardened of us can find one thing for which to be grateful, and that can adjust everything in our thought processes. Are we closed to the teachings of Jesus? If we open our minds and concentrate, the Lord’s teachings may unfold to us like nothing we have ever experienced previously.

Bulletin Submissions Please remember to submit all bulletin articles and any updates

(or corrections) to your ministry info to: [email protected].

The deadline for submission is noon on the second Tuesday prior to publication (i.e., 12 days in advance).

This Month in the Church July 18 -- St. Camillus de Lellis July 20 -- St. Apollinaris July 21 -- St. Lawrence of Brindisi July 22 -- St. Mary Magdalene July 23 -- 16th Sunday of Ordinary Time

July 24 -- St. Sharbel Makhluf July 25 -- St. Jame, Apostle July 26 -- Sts. Joachim and Anne July 29 -- St. Martha July 30 -- 17th Sunday of Ordinary Time July 31 -- St. Ignatius of Loyola

3 www.nativitycatholicchurch.org

Featured Events & Announcements

Ministry Leader Morning Saturday, August 12 |9 am-12 pm |Social Hall D (St. Francis Rm)

We would like each Ministry Leader or a representative from each Ministry to attend. This is a great way to meet with your brothers and sisters in parish leadership. To register, please visit the church website at www.nativitycatholicchurch.org and click on Register for Ministry Leadership Morning. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Ehringer ([email protected] or 813.681.4608). Please RSVP by August 4th.

Do You Have A Loved One That Is Home Bound, In The Hospital, Or In One Of The Nursing Homes In The Area?

Pastoral Care would like to help! We take Holy Communion to those who cannot come to Mass and provide transportation to doctor

appointments, van service to Mass, telephone reassurance calls, nursing home visitation, respite care, and so much more. If you or your loved one would benefit from one or more of these services, please call Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351.

Job Opening: Part-Time Weekend Maintenance Worker

Schedule: Saturday & Sunday. This position provides routine janitorial service and

minor repair work on all buildings and grounds. Responsibilities include: Church, Chapel, Social Hall, Youth Center and other buildings' cleaning and event setup/cleanup. May include building opening and closing. Will rotate through all campus buildings as directed and as schedule dictates. Qualifications: Ability to lift 50+ pounds, able to success-fully pass a Level 2 Background Screening and Safe Environment Training; Ability to provide own transportation for job-related responsibilities; On-call availability for emergencies; Successful work experience in janitorial services a plus. Please come to the Church Office to apply for this position.

ADVENTURE INTO THE INTERIOR LIFE: A Day of Retreat for the Separated & Divorced

Catholic Speaker, Author, and Media Producer, Rose Sweet, will be coming to Nativity on October 7, 2017. Watch for more information on registration for this event in September.

St. Gerard’s Circle Used Uniform Sale Sat., July 22 | 8:00 am - 11:00 am | Social Hall

Back by popular demand! At this sale, you can purchase uniforms for the school year at greatly reduced prices! Donations and consignments are also accepted. Purchases can be made with cash, check, debit, or credit. For more information or to schedule a uniform drop-off, please contact Karen Olsen (813.494.2897 or [email protected]) or Elaine England (813.659.0871 or [email protected]).

New Video-Based Study Available in the Faith Formation Office

From the Lectio series of the Augustine Institute, we have the Video-based study of the Mass in the Bible, entitled Eucharist. Based on the long-held tradition of studying Scripture through meditation on God’s Holy Word, the Eucharist study guides us through Scripture, history, and Church teaching to illuminate the wonder and miracle of the Eucharist. Led by Dr. Brant Pitre, this study offers insight and a fresh perspective for understanding Eucharist. The study includes 10 teaching sessions, 7 hours of video presentation. Come by the Faith Formation to preview and check out the DVD series.

Calling All Incoming Freshmen! It’s time to set an Interview for youth Confirmation Preparation. Call the Faith Formation Office to schedule your appointment before school starts while there are still plenty of times to choose from.

Liturgical Ministers Morning Saturday, August 26th

Ministry Fair Sunday, September 10th

More information coming soon!


New to the Parish? Get registered! Already Registered? Update or check your records!

Are you registered with the Church Office? Have you moved? Added to your family? Changed your contact info? Then, it’s time to complete or update your parish registration online! Help us support you! Receive the Sacraments. Plan a wedding. Baptize your children. Enroll your children in preparation programs for First Communion, First Reconciliation, and Confirmation. Become a Godparent or Confirmation Sponsor. Your Parish registration is important for so many reasons! Just follow the “My Own Church” link on our church website at www.nativitycatholicchurch.org. It gives YOU secure access to the information in your family and member records at Nativity. You can also view, download, and print your charitable contributions. Questions? Contact Michele VonBehren in the Church Office at 813.681.4608.

Interested in Receiving the Sacraments? Baptism: The gift of faith is one of the most important gifts that you can give your child. Please contact Faith Formation at 813.689.9101, so we can schedule this special celebration. The required paperwork is available at http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/baptism. Reconciliation & First Holy Communion (youth): Preparation for these sacraments consists of “freestanding” programs and requires separate registration for both Parish and School families. Registration paperwork is due in September. If your child is eligible to receive these Sacraments during the current school year (i.e., they have had at least one year of immediate remote preparation and are enrolled in either Nativity Catholic School or Faith Formation classes), your family will receive a letter inviting you to enroll in this freestanding program. Contact Faith Formation at 813.689.9101 for more information. Confirmation (youth): Preparation for the Sacrament of Confirmation begins with an interview of the candidate. Please contact Faith Formation at 813.689.9101 to schedule your interview. Classes begin in September. Adult Sacraments: The Sacraments of Baptism, Penance, Communion, and Confirmation are available for adults through the RCIA or related program. Contact Faith Formation at 813.689.9101 for more information. Marriage: If you wish to be married at Nativity, please call the Church Office at 813.681.4608 at least six months before your anticipated wedding date. For more information, please visit http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/marriage. Holy Orders: Do you feel called to the religious life? We are here to help. For more information, call the Church Office at 813.681.4608 or visit http://nativitycatholicchurch.org/order. Anointing of the Sick: The Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick gives strength and support and can be administered to anyone struggling with an illness. Please call the Church Office at 813.681.4608 for more information.

Get Connected with the Nativity App!

Use our App to access: Mass Times for weekends, weekdays, and special Holy Days; the Parish Calendar; our Parish Social Media; contact info for our Staff; daily readings, prayer resources, and more! To download, just

scan this QR Code or search ‘Nativity Brandon’ in the

App Store or Google Play Store.

Featured Photos of the Week

Did you miss out on the Second Annual Family Movie Night hosted by the St. Rita Circle in June?

Great fun for a great cause! Check out the pictures and remember to join us next year!

Thank you to everyone who came out to support Family Promise of Greater Brandon.


Featured Photos of the Week

Check out our awesome Life Force Middle Schoolers! They sure have been busy! Additional photos on the cover. To learn more about Life Force, see page 8 of this Bulletin.

Got Photos? Have you recently held a meeting or event at Nativity? If so, we want to see your pictures! Please submit them (limit 8 pictures) via email to [email protected]. Please include a brief description

of the event and photo captions. Then, watch for your photos in an upcoming bulletin. This is a great way to promote your group or event!

Pre-Covecrest Camp

<— Cosmic

Bowling Nancy presenting a teaching during a Nativity Life Force / Middle School Night

Alyx after the Transformation Game

More Hidden Lake Camp Photos!

We were blessed to have 47 of our middle schoolers and chaperones (our biggest group yet!) return from LifeTeen's Hidden Lake camp in Dahlonega, GA earlier this month with hearts transformed in Christ and filled with the joy of our fun adventures!


Looking for Support? We are Here for You! Need Counseling? Contact Bonnie Ussery in Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351.

Seeking Healing? “Freedom in Christ” is a twice-monthly healing prayer program for everyone in need of healing. Miraculous healing can occur. Contact Deacon Mark Taylor at 813.220.5759 or [email protected]. Visit us online at www.facebook.com/ficnativity. Freedom in Christ meetings will resume on the second Monday in September.

Seeking New or Better Employment? The Career Transition Ministry (a joint effort of Nativity and St. Stephen’s) offers sessions on most Mondays from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm at St. Stephen Catholic School in Riverview (off Boyette Road, one mile west of Bell Shoals Road). Look for us behind the Family Life Center in the “Angels Wing,” the module on the left side of the school (keep going until you see the small parking lot). We will review your resume individually, offer interview tips (including how to answer those tough interview questions), guide you through a mock interview for the job you are seeking (bring the posting), help identify your transferable skills and talents, assist in crafting your "30 second commercial" or "elevator speech," and help with networking (including LinkedIN). Let us help you highlight your past accomplishments and capabilities so you can stand out from the crowd! Over the last 7 years, we have helped many people land great jobs. Bring your resume and be ready to take notes. Non-Catholics welcome! Questions? Contact John or Sheila Nemia (813.672.2552 or [email protected]).

Have Legal Questions? Need Help Finding the Right Attorney? Contact Bonnie Ussery in Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351 to schedule an appointment to speak with a volunteer attorney free of charge.

Experienced a Loss? Bereavement Support Group — Contact Bonnie Ussery in Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351.

Loss of an Infant or Miscarriage — Contact Deacon Mark Taylor at 813.220.5759 or [email protected].

Abortion Healing — The “Rachael’s Vineyard” program can help. Contact Deacon Mark Taylor at 813.220.5759 or [email protected]. Also, two times a year, the “Bethany Springs” ministry also offers a 9-week healing program for all individuals affected by abortion. Contact Cynthia Taylor at 813.505.9022 or [email protected].

Coping with Autism? The St. Ignatius Autism Ministry is a virtual (online) support community for parents, family members, and friends of people that have autism. Meets on the second Tuesday of every month at 7:00 pm at https://global.gotomeeting.com/join/250901037. Questions? Email Dr. Michael Laverty at [email protected].

Struggling with Pornography? The “David’s Legacy” ministry can help. Contact Deacon Mark Taylor at 813.220.5759 or [email protected].

Suffering the Effects of Another’s Alcoholism? The “Come as You Are” Al-Anon Family Group is here to help you. It meets Fridays from 10:30a–11:30a in the Oakwood Room.

Experiencing Same-Sex Attraction? Know someone who is?

Courage is an apostolate of the Catholic Church ministering to people with same-sex attractions, helping them to live chaste lives in fellowship, truth, and love. Courage meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month at Christ the King Parish, 821 South Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa. Questions? Reach out confidentially at [email protected] or contact Sabrina Burton Schultz with the Diocese of St. Petersburg (727.344.1611 ext. 5325 or [email protected]). To learn more, visit www.couragerc.org.

EnCourage is a spiritual support group for family members and friends of people who experience same-sex attractions sponsored by our diocese. EnCourage members support one another and their loved ones through discussion, prayer, fellowship, and sacrifice. Meets once a month at Christ the King Parish, 821 South Dale Mabry Highway, in Tampa. Interested? Email [email protected] or call 813.570.1163. To learn more, visit www.couragerc.org.

Need Assistance with Natural Family Planning? Infertility? PMS? The Creighton Model System is a natural approach to family planning and women's health. Please contact Jen Scannell for more information at 321.432.0456 or at [email protected].

Your Marriage Matters!

Resource Page

Worldwide Marriage Encounter HAPPILY MARRIED COUPLES: What have you done for your marriage today? Successful marriages don’t work on automatic pilot – at least not for long. Like a garden, they require constant attention: fertilizing, watering, and weeding. Healthy marriages, like

gardens, don’t die suddenly. More often they fade away from a gradual lack of attentiveness, letting things slide, taking each other for granted. Join us for a Worldwide Marriage Encounter and discover God’s plan for joy, romance, and passion in your marriage. The next Worldwide Marriage Encounter weekend is August 25-27 at the Franciscan Center. Space IS limited, so apply early! For more information about taking a private time away, check out flwc-wwme.org or call 813.270.7832. WWME has received the Franciscan International Award for celebrating and supporting Marriage, and was voted Best Marriage Workshop in About.com’s Reader’s Choice Awards.

Marriage Struggling?

If your marriage has become troubled and stressed, unloving or uncaring; if you have grown cold and distant; even if you are divorced or separated, or are thinking about it, no matter how bad it may be . . . Retrouvaille can help, as it has helped tens of thousands of others. Our next program in Tampa begins Aug 18-20, 2017 at the Hampton Inn & Suites (Tampa Northwest/Oldsmar). For more information, visit www.HelpingMarriages.org or call 813.816.0711. Not counseling or group therapy. All contacts and names held in strictest confidence.


Give Back!

DRIVERS NEEDED! Drivers are needed to help transport our homebound Parishioners to the Saturday 4:00 pm Mass and to the Sunday 10:30 am Mass. Can you help? Please contact the Pastoral

Care Office (or stop by!) at 813.413.8351 for more information.

Ministries of Mercy Take Holy Communion to the sick and homebound. Visit nursing homes, and say the Rosary. Drive the homebound to doctor’s appointments and Mass. Comfort the bereaved. Offer relief and encouragement to a caregiver or shut-in. Come share in the Call to Mercy by being a part of this important ministry. To find out how, contact Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351 (or come by!).

Parish Library Volunteer Needed Want to do something quick and easy before and after mass for less than an hour a month? We are

in need of library volunteers for the 8:30 am and 10:30 am Sunday masses. No experience necessary - all training provided. Please contact Michaelyn at [email protected] for details.

Summer Giving Traveling this summer? Consider signing up with Online Giving. Convenient anytime, anywhere access through the Internet. Secure and confidential. Adheres to banking security standards. Visit www.nativitycatholicchurch.org, and click on “Online Giving.” If you need assistance with updating your account information, please call the Online Giving Customer Service at 800.348.2886, option 4.

Nativity Life Ministry The Nativity Life Ministry would like to thank all those who donate baby items throughout the year! Your generosity has blessed so many families who have chosen life. The ministry is always in need of diapers, wipes, diaper bags, baby toiletries, new or gently used baby clothes thru size 4T; and NEW (in the box) car seats, strollers, and high chairs. Donations can be dropped off at the Pastoral Care Office at 201 S. Oakwood Ave., Brandon, Florida. Our next Life Ministry meeting will be on August 22 at 6:30 pm in the Oakwood Room. For more information, email nativitylifeministry.com. If you or someone you know is a mother in need of temporary emergency assistance, please call Pastoral Care at 813.413.8351. Nativity Outreach School Supplies Collection

Nativity Outreach will be collecting school supplies for children in need in our parish

and our surrounding community. Donations may be dropped off at the pantry truck both this weekend and next weekend. Last year we collected over 1000 pounds! Help us to achieve that goal again. Thank you for supporting the Nativity Outreach Food Bank and Food Pantry.

PB&J Ministry “Summer Goodie Bags” It’s that time again! We will be as-sembling our “Summer Goodie Bags” and making PB&J sandwiches on Friday, August 4th. We are asking for donations of white athletic socks (men, women, and children), rain ponchos, bug repellent, hotel-sized

toiletries, crackers, breakfast bars, small pop-top canned meats, baked beans, Spaghettio’s, fruit cups, pudding, water, deodorant, etc. You can drop the donations off at the Church office labeled “PB&J Ministry” or on the morning of August 4th. We appreciate your kindness and generosity to the homeless and hungry. If you have any questions, please contact Luann Leahy at 813.659.0181. Thank you and God Bless!

An Invitation from the Office of the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute

Pray & Reflect: Is God Calling You to Serve as a Lay Ecclesial Minister in His Church? “Other seeds fell on good soil and brought forth grain, some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” (Mt 13:8) The Parable of the Sower and the Seed guides us into a reflection of how willing we are to grow in receptivity of the Living Word of God and his revealed teachings. We attend Mass but when we leave and are caught up in the noise of life, it steals the words of the Kingdom from our consciousness before they have a chance to take root. Ask yourself: How have you seen God prepare the soil of your heart to make it fertile to receive his Word? How do you provide “good soil” for the faith of others to grow? The LPMI is accepting applications now. To speak with someone about the LPMI program, contact Dale Brown at [email protected] or call 727.344.1611, ext. 5458. Program brochures and registration forms are available in the parish office or online at the LPMI website: http://dosp.org/lpmi/. New classes begin September 9, 2017. Is there someone you know that may be interested in attending the LPMI program? Share this info and encourage them to come with you to the Lay Pastoral Ministry Institute!

Have You Been Called to Serve? Do you have ideas on how to help our parish community to Pray, Serve, and Give? Then, the Stewardship Committee needs you! The Stewardship Committee hosts the annual Ministry Leader Morning and Ministry Fair and assists with other stewardship efforts around the parish. For more information, contact Cindy Ehringer (813.681.4608 or [email protected]). Join us for our next meeting on Wednesday, July 19th at 7pm. Stewardship Prayer : Creator God, At Baptism, we accepted the call to follow Jesus. Be with us as we move along on our faith journey. Send us your Holy Spirit, that we might have wisdom for the journey. Help us to develop and share our gifts as good stewards, that we may use them in love and service in your Kingdom. We ask this through Christ, our Lord. Amen.


High School (Grades 9 - 12) (LIFE TEEN) Come to the 6:00 pm Life Teen Mass. Then, join us on Sundays after Mass for dinner and on Wednesdays from 7 PM - 9 PM! See you there!

Young Adults (Adults ages 18 - 35) (REAL LIFE) Thursdays | 7:30 PM | Youth Center

Are you a young adult looking for a faith centered community? All young adults ages 18-35 are welcome to join us each Thursday from 7:30pm - 9:00pm in the Life Lounge for Real Life Young Adults! Incredible discussion, fellowship, and fun is waiting for you! Join our “Nativity Real Life Young Adults” Facebook page!

Hispanic Youth (Vida Joven) High School (Grades 9 - 12) and Middle School (Grades 6 - 8)

Fridays | 7:00 PM - 9:15 PM | Chapel and Youth Center Program includes mass in Spanish, dinner, faith-filled talks, and fun! All Middle School and High School members of our Hispanic community are invited.

Join us & learn about sacred scripture during our summer semester: DATE HIGH SCHOOL MIDDLE SCHOOL July 21 TWEETING #JESUS – JESUS CHRIST IS COMING TO TOWN (The New Testament Epistles) (The Incarnation)

Middle School (Grades 6 - 8) (LIFE FORCE)

Life Force is a place for the middle school students in our parish to have fun with their friends and learn about their faith in an engaging, interactive way every Tuesday from 6 PM to 8 PM in the Youth Center. The gym is open for sports while the youth center features games and music, and the Agape Café is open for snack and drink purchases.

Youth & Young Adults

If veggies are so good for you, why do

they taste so bad?! Come by Life Teen on July 23rd for a

great discussion on the teaching

authority of the Catholic Church!

Upcoming Events July 18 Fire Fall: Confirmation in Scripture

July 21 Laser Tag, 1-3 PM, CQ Tactical Laser Tag, $20

July 22 Double Feature Movie Night, 6-10 PM, $2 admission

July 25 Ignited Within: Sacrament of Confirmation July 26 Rays Game, 10 am to 6 pm

Who done it?? Join us on July 16th after the 6PM mass for an awesome game of “Live Clue” at Life Teen! We are taking this classic murder mystery to the next level!

Next Sunday!

This Sunday!


NCS Cougar News

Nativity Catholic School Alumni

Please email Therese Alonso at [email protected] to let us know what you have been doing since

your time at Nativity and give us your most up-to-date email/address. We love pictures and stories!

Looking for a Great School? 2017-18

Enroll Now! PreK3 – 8th Grade

For information or to schedule a tour of

our beautiful campus, please contact the School Office at

813.689.3395

Summer School Office

Hours Monday—Friday 8 :00a .m.—Noon

Mission

Statement:

“Nativity Catholic School recognizes each student as a

unique child of God, and provides a

learning environment that develops each student’s spiritual, intellectual, social,

physical and emotional gifts.”

Congratulations to Our 2017 Nativity Catholic School Graduates!

Academy of the Holy Names Zeta Bennett

Danielle Fonsing Angie Pena

Jessica Reynolds Casey Rodriguez Hailey Rothman Madison Sigler

Bloomingdale High School Riley Cook

Emma Dillow Conner Eberhart

Kelli Jakubik Kathleen Judd Kamya Lukose

Alejandro Vazquez

Cristo Rey Maria Alas

Madison Hampton Kayla Kovach

Daniela Nunez Olivia Scott

Durant High School Christian Farrell Sabrina Galvez Kirsten Grindel Cooper Peirce

Foundation Christian Academy Kayla Welsby

Grace Christian Logan Alarcon Chyann Zolna

HB Plant High School Benjamin Tondre

Hillsborough High School Roc Walker (IB)

Jesuit Sage Farhad

Andrew Garateix Nicholas Garcia

Dylan Lewis Nicholas Reifschneider

John Waldron Ryan Weir

Lennard High School Kylie Hecmanczuk

Newsome High School Nicholas Fiol

Brooke Ginaitt Lucia Orlando Ryan Robison

Jack Rossmiller

Riverview High School Ronnie Brandon

MacKenzie Lamb-Leon

Santa Fe Roland Baudoin

Seffner Christian Taylor Patten

Strawberry Crest Matthew Cseh (IB) Emma Lombardi

Jefry Marmol Jeury Marmol Mei Ramsey

Harry Salomon (IB) Olivia Stoughton (IB)

Cynthia Truong

Tampa Bay Tech Domminic Brown

Tampa Catholic Patricia Arevalo Alyssa Barrett Camila Corral

Ethan Ehringer Winston Horton

Katherine Layman Mia Lera

Andrea Lopez Antonio Marrero-Acosta

Lizmarie Nazario Joseph Osterberger Andrea Valenzuela

Jacob Zahorsky

TOTAL GRADUATES = 67 Catholic/Christian HS = 37

IB = 4

mailto:[email protected]


Prayer List Are you or a loved one suffering from illness? Let your Nativity family pray for you. Call the Church Office at 813.681.4608, and we will add your prayer request to our list.

“For where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there in their midst." -Matthew 18:20

Pray for One Another

Pray for the sick, suffering, and shut-ins to welcome the strength of God’s love, especially: Vivian Montenegro, Doris Gonzalez, Kay Walczak, Shawn McConnell, Linda McCloud, Deborah McClain, Kathy Freije, Louise Rogers, Juan F. Ramos, Joe LaPerna, Jeanne A. Woodke, Christopher C. Woodke, Drew Woodke, Bob Woodke, Marie Wood, Marie Pradel, Donna Howarth, Angela Bergeron, Gerald Johnson, Tamara Hartinger, Olga Diaz, Sylvia McBride, Pam McCoy, Kristine DeVera, Jennifer Hawkins, John Sweder, Pam Blant, Teddy Lombard, Jonothan Hess, Dora Zeno, Marie McKinney, Sara Atkins, Sue Riedl, Robert Lande, Cathy Ruiter, Bobby Dass, Andrew Sookoo, Edward McCourt, Andrew Mounce, Jack Michalek, George Thomas, Shelly Thomas Grover, Joseph Smaldone, Thomas Smaldone

In your hands O Lord, we commend the souls of our recently departed. May their souls and the souls of the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.

Marya Munoz

Mass Intentions | July 17-23

Monday July 17 7:00 a.m. Brent Taghap 8:00 a.m. Linda DeVera Tuesday July 18 7:00 a.m. Al Leathers 8:00 a.m. Alex & Mary Gostola 7:00 p.m. Jose Augusto Pena Wednesday July 19 7:00 a.m. Barbara Clarke 8:00 a.m. Patrick Casale Thursday July 20 7:00 a.m. Joan Weaver 8:00 a.m. Laura Casale Friday July 21 7:00 a.m. Stefan & Stan 8:00 a.m. Phillip Einsmann 7:00 p.m. Rafael Zelaya Saturday July 22 8:00 a.m. Edward McCourt 4:00 p.m. Emily Palmiotto 4:00 p.m. Iluminada Pacheco (Chapel) Sunday July 23 7:00 a.m. Nativity Parish Family 8:30 a.m. Irene & Alvarez Family 10:30 a.m. Alex Hutchings 10:30 a.m. Colin Goode (Chapel) 12:30 p.m. Mercedes & Isaias Rojas 6:00 p.m. Michael Young

For all events and updates, please check the website calendar. Room Key

YC - Youth Center | SH(ABC&D) - Social Hall PC - Pastoral Care | AE - Adult Education Building

LL - Life Lounge | OR - Oakwood Room FFC - Faith Formation Center| CONF - Conference Room

MPR - Multi-Purpose Room | Media - Media Center


Del Escritorio del Párroco Increíble Fe – Esta semana, y por las ultimas semanas, nuestra Segunda Lectura viene de la Carta de San Pablo a los Romanos. Lo más probable, Pablo escribió esta carta a los Romanos mientras estuvo en Corinto. Él iba a viajar a Jerusalén – donde eventualmente fue arrestado. De ahí fue enviado a Roma encadenado como un preso. Mientras escribía esta carta, Pablo tuvo el sentido claro de cómo se desarrollaría su futuro. Sin embargo, a través de todo, estuvo sorprendentemente optimista. Su profunda fe en Dios es evidente en el pasaje de hoy: Considero que los sufrimientos actuales no se comparan en nada con la gloria que será revelada a nosotros. En tiempos bueno y en los malos, San Pablo mantuvo su enfoque en el Dios vivo. Para él la fe no significaba libertad del sufrimiento. El tener fe no garantizaba que él nunca lucharía. Si no que el tener fe significaba que San Pablo podría enfrentar la adversidad – sabiendo que todo el tiempo Dios lo sostenía a él – en esta vida y en la venidera. Una vez alguien dijo: ¡Cuando has llegado a la nada…Dios está preparando algo! La fe ve lo invisible, cree en lo increíble, y recibe lo imposible. San Pablo, refuerza nuestra fe. Ayúdanos a ser un pueblo de esperanza. Que al igual que Tú, lleguemos a conocer a nuestro Dios viviente y amoroso. San Pablo, ora por nosotros. ¿Por qué Ir a la Iglesia? Recientemente encontré esta historia:

Un feligrés le escribió una carta al editor de un periódico y se quejó de que no había sentido ir a la Iglesia todos los fines de semana. “He ido por 30 años,” el escribió, “y durante ese tiempo he oído por lo menos 3,000 homilías. Pero la verdad, no puedo recordar ni una. Así que pienso que estoy perdiendo mi tiempo y que los sacerdotes también pierden su tiempo dando homilías.”

Para el deleite del editor, esto fue el comienzo de una gran controversia en la columna “Cartas al Editor.” Duro por varias semanas hasta que alguien escribió lo siguiente:

“Yo llevo 30 años casado. Durante este tiempo mi esposa ha cocinado al menos 32,000 cenas. Pero la verdad, no recuerdo el menú completo de una de estas cenas. Pero si se esto. Me nutrieron y me dieron la fuerza necesaria para hacer mi trabajo. Si mi esposa no me hubiese dado estas cenas, estaría físicamente muerto hoy en día. Al igual, si no hubiese ido a Misa para nutrirme, hoy en día estaría espiritualmente muerto.”

Querido Señor, gracias por el regalo de cada Misa y la bendición de participar en el Banquete Eucarístico. Que el banquete nos nutre y nos llene de Tu vida. Que compartamos generosamente esa vida con otros – porque eso es lo que Tu amor hace con nosotros y como obra en nosotros. ~P. Tapp

Reflexión Semanal del 16 de julio Quinto Domingo del Tiempo Ordinario

(Cortesía de catholicsteward.com) En la Lectura del Evangelio de hoy de San Mateo, a Cristo se le pregunta por qué Él habla en parábolas. Su respuesta en parte es la declaración: "Al que tiene se le dará más y tendrá en abundancia; pero al que no tiene, se le quitara aun lo que tiene.“ Las parábolas de Cristo, de las cuales hay muchas, no siempre tienen sentido para nosotros, a menos que las consideremos con cuidado. Cristo hablando en y relacionándose con las parábolas tiene todo que ver con lo que llamamos La Palabra. Si escuchamos conscientemente La Palabra (representada por nuestras lecturas en las Misas y por la homilía que escuchamos), podemos, y tal vez deberíamos, captar el significado. La Palabra está llena de las verdades más profundas de la Biblia. Dios abre nuestros ojos y oídos a estas verdades, pero debemos ser sensibles y debemos estar dispuestos a entenderlas. A menudo simplemente escuchamos y no oímos. Hacemos los movimientos, cuando nuestra concentración total debe estar en lo que nos dicen. En primer lugar, debemos apreciar que sólo Dios puede abrir los ojos y los oídos de cada uno de nosotros. Una de las frases populares sobre mayordomía es "una actitud de gratitud". Eso es tan importante. Pasando por un mal día, aun el más endurecido de nosotros puede encontrar una cosa por la cual estar agradecido, y que puede ajustar todo en nuestro proceso de pensamiento. ¿Estamos cerrados a las enseñanzas de Jesús? Si abrimos nuestras mentes y nos concentramos, las enseñanzas del Señor pueden hacer revelaciones como nada que hayamos experimentado anteriormente.

Envió de Artículos Para el Boletín Por favor recuerde enviar todos los artículos del boletín y

cualquier actualización (o correcciones) a su información de ministerio a [email protected] La fecha límite

para someter artículos es el mediodía del segundo martes anterior a la publicación (es decir, 12 días de antemano).

Gracias por su cooperación.


Los Artículos en Español

¡Reserve las Fechas! Mañana Ministros Liturgicos

Sábado, 26 de agosto Feria del Ministerios

Domingo, 10 de septiembre ¡Más información próximamente!

Donaciones durante el Verano ¿Viajara este verano? Considere la posibilidad de inscribirse en línea. Conveniente acceso en cualquier momento y en cualquier lugar a través de Internet. Seguro y confidencial. Se adhiere a las normas de seguridad bancaria. Visite www.nativitycatholicchurch.org y haga clic en "Online Giving." Si necesita ayuda para actualizar la información de su cuenta, comuníquese con Servicio al Cliente en línea al 800.348.2886, opción 4.

Vida Joven – Escuela Superior (Grados 9-12) y Secundaria (Grados 6-8)

¡Únase a nosotros los viernes de 7 a 9:15 pm para la Misa en español, cena, conversaciones llenas de fe

y actividades divertidas!

Eventos:

21 de julio - Tweeting #Jesús; Jesucristo Viene a la Ciudad

Banco de Alimentos Nativity Outreach estará recolectando materiales escolares para niños en necesidad en nuestra parroquia, y nuestra comunidad alrededor. Las donaciones pueden ser dejadas en el camión de la despensa los fines de semana del 15

y 22 de julio. ¡El año pasado recolectamos más de 1000 libras! Ayúdenos a lograr esa meta nuevamente. Gracias por su apoyo y donaciones para el Banco de Alimentos y la Despensa de la Natividad.

Posición de Mantenimiento para Fines de Semana Part-Time

Itinerario: Sábado y Domingo Esta posición provee servicio de limpieza ruti-na y reparaciones menores en todos los edifi-cios y campus. Responsabilidades

incluyen: Iglesia, Capilla, Salón Social, Centro de Jóvenes y otros edificios, limpieza y montaje de eventos/limpieza. Podría incluir abrir y cerrar edificios. Rotara a través de los edificios según se le dirija y como indique el itinerario. Quilificaciones: Capaz de levantar 50 libras, pasar un chequeo de antecedentes Nivel 2 y entrenamiento de Ambiente Seguro; proporcionar transportación propia para responsabilidades relacionadas con el trabajo; disponible para emergencias; exitosa experiencia en servicios sanitarios un plus. Favor de pasar por la Oficina Parroquial si le interesa aplicar para esta posición.

Cristo Renueva su Parroquia Cristo Renueva su Parroquia es un proceso de renovación espiritual el cual une a los miembros de la parroquia y donde se experimenta una transformación tanto personal, profesional y sobre todo de comunidad Cristiana.

Ven a vivir 33 horas extraordinarias junto a Jesús. Hombres: 12 y 13 de Agosto

Mujeres: 2 y 3 de septiembre

Totalmente gratis, cupo limitado. Más información en el social hall después de las misas.

Ministerio PB&J: Bolsas de Artículos ¡Es ese tiempo de nuevo! Vamos a preparar nuestras "Bolsas de Ar-tículos" y hacer sándwiches de mantequilla de maní y jalea el viernes, 4 de agosto. Estamos pidiendo donaciones de calcetines

atléticos blancos, (hombres, mujeres y niños) poncho de lluvia, repelente de insectos, artículos de tocador de tamaño hotel, galletas, barras de desayuno, pequeñas carnes enlatadas pop-top, frijoles al horno, spaghettios, tazas de fruta, pudín, agua, desodorante, etc. Usted puede dejar sus donaciones en la Oficina Parroquial con una etiqueta marcada PB&J Ministry o la mañana del 4 de agosto. Agradecemos su amabilidad y generosidad para con los desamparados y hambrientos. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Luann Leahy - 813.659.0181. ¡Gracias, Dios te bendiga!

Lectores Lunes, 24 de Julio, 7pm en La Iglesia

Mis hermanos y hermanas, cuando hablamos de proclamar la Palabra de Dios, estamos hablando de comunicar lo que Dios quiere decir a su pueblo. Estamos buscando personas que deseen proclamar la Palabra de Dios en las Celebraciones Litúrgicas los; Domingo, Martes, Viernes y/o Sábados. Dios necesita voces para continuar expandiendo su palabra. Es por eso que te invitamos a unirte al ministerio de Proclamadores de la Palabra. Si te interesa, comunícate con Jaime López (813.808.1067) o Evelyn Díaz (813.766.3643). Tendremos entrenamiento para los nuevos miembros que deseen unirse. Te esperamos!

Mañana de Lideres de Ministerios Sábado 12 de agosto | 9 am-12 pm | Salón Social D (St. Francis)

Nos gustaría que cada Líder del Ministerio o un representante de cada Ministerio asistiera. Esta es una gran manera de reunirse con sus hermanos y hermanas en el liderazgo parroquial. Para inscri-birse, visite la página web de la Parroquia en: www.nativitycatholicchurch.org y escoja Register for Ministry Leadership Morning. Si tiene alguna pregunta, comuníquese con Cindy Ehringer ([email protected] o 813.681.4608). Por favor Confirme para el 4 de agosto.


Regístrese y Podrá Ver Sus Records Parroquiales ¿Está registrado en la Oficina Parroquial? ¿Se ha mudado recientemente? ¿Añadió a su familia? ¿Ha cambiado su información de contacto? Si es así, es hora de registrarse o actualizar su registro. ¡Ayúdenos a apoyarlo! Reciba los Sacramentos. Planifique una boda. Bautice a sus hijos. Inscriba a sus hijos en los programas de preparación para Primera Comunión, Primera Reconciliación y Confirmación. Conviértase en padrino o patrocinador de la Confirmación. ¡Su registro parroquial es importante por muchas razones! Complete o actualice su registro parroquial en línea usando la plataforma "My Own Church". Simplemente siga el enlace en la página web de nuestra Iglesia en www.nativitycatholicchurch.org Le proporcionara acceso seguro y personal a la información de su familia y los miembros registrados en Natividad. Una vez registrado, sus registros estarán disponibles en línea ver, descargar e imprimir su declaración anual de contribuciones de caridad. ¿Preguntas? Por favor comuníquese con Michele VonBehren en la Oficina de la Iglesia al 813.681.4608.

Descargar el App de la Natividad Buscar 'Nativity Brandon' o

escanear el código para descargar el App.

Ministerio de Vida de Nativity ¡El Ministerio de Vida de la Natividad quiere agradecer a todos aquellos que donan artículos para bebés durante todo el año! Su generosidad ha bendecido a tantas

familias que han elegido la vida. El ministerio siempre necesita los siguientes elementos: (1) Pañales, (2) Toallitas, (3) Bolsas de pañales, (4) Artículos de tocador para bebés, (5) Ropa de bebé nueva o en buenas condiciones hasta tamaño 4T, y (6) NUEVO (en la caja) asientos de coche, cochecitos y sillas para comer. Las donaciones se pueden dejar en la Oficina de Cuidado Pastoral en el 201 S. Oakwood Ave., Brandon, Florida. Nuestra próxima reunión del Ministerio de Vida será el 22 de agosto a las 6:30 pm en el Salón Oakwood. Para obtener más información acerca de nosotros, envíe un correo electrónico a nativitylifeministry.com.

¿Tiene un ser querido que está en casa, en el hospital, o en uno de los asilos de ancianos en la zona?

¡Cuidado Pastoral quiere ayudar! Llevamos la Sagrada Comunión a aquellos que no pueden venir a la Misa, proveemos transportación a citas médicas, servicio de furgoneta a la Misa, llamadas telefónicas de seguridad, visitas asilos, cuidado de relevo y mucho más. Si usted o su ser querido se beneficiaría de uno o más de estos servicios, por favor comuníquese con Cuidado Pastoral al 813.413.8351.

Ministerio de la Consulta Legal de la Natividad

Este ministerio está disponible para todos los miembros de nuestra parroquia. Si tiene alguna pregunta legal, comuníquese con Cuidado Pastoral al 813.413.8351 para fijar una consulta.

Círculo de San Gerardo Venta Uniformes Usados Sab. 22 de julio | 8 am - 11am | Salón Social

¡En esta venta usted puede comprar Uniformes para el año escolar a precios muy reducidos! También se aceptan donaciones y envíos. Las compras se pueden hacer con efectivo, cheque o tarjeta de crédito. Para más información o para fijar una entrega de uniformes, comuníquese con Karen Olsen (813.494.2897 o [email protected]) o Elaine England (813.659.0871 o [email protected]).

¡SE SOLICITAN CHOFERES! Se necesitan conductores para ayudar a transportar a nuestros feligreses de la parroquia a la Misa del sábado a las 4:00 pm y a la Misa del domingo a las 10:30 am. ¿Puede ayudar? Por favor comuníquese con la Oficina de Cuidado Pastoral al 813.413.8351.

¡Llamando a Estudiantes Comenzando Escuela Superior!

Es hora de establecer una entrevista para la pre-paración de Confirmación para jóvenes. Comuní-quese con la Oficina de Formación de Fe para fijar

su cita ahora mientras aún quedan fechas y horarios disponibles antes de que y su estudiante regrese a la escuela.

705 e. brandon blvd., brandon, fl nativity catholic church - final.pdf · too often we merely...

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