December 10, 2017 Second Sunday of Advent

What’s Happening … Note from Our Pastor ......... .2 St. John of the Cross Feast Day

Verses & Prayers .............. ….3

Parish News and Events……. 4 Music CDs on Sale Now Liturgical Tribute Fund Your Financial Stewardship Financial Peace University Parish Family Life Events

Nine Lessons & Carols .......... 5 Bambinelli Sunday Best Advent Ever Nine Advent Attitudes Parish Activities Schedule Fr. Mehok’s Scripture Study

Seasonal Events Schedule .... 6 Kathy Hlad Honored

Ministry & Mass Schedules .. 7

Saint John of the Cross Parish, 140 Richmond Rd., Euclid OH 44143 216.289.0770

facebook.com/sjocp saintjohnofthecross.org

"John the Baptist appeared in the desert proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. John was clothed in camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. He fed on locusts and wild honey. And this is what he proclaimed: "One mightier than I is coming after me." - Mark 1:4, 6-7a

Saint John of the Cross Roman Catholic Parish

“Prepare …”

Christmas Schedule Notice

Christmas Eve falls on a Sunday this year … which is also the Fourth Sunday of Advent. The Sunday Advent Masses are at 9 and 11 am. Christmas Eve Masses are also on Sunday and will be celebrated at 4 pm (Nativity Vigil/Children’s Mass), 6:30 pm and 10 pm (Nativity Vigil). The Christmas Day Mass is on Monday, Dec. 25 at 9 am. Dec. 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent Masses – 9 am and 11 am Nativity Vigil – 4 pm (Children’s Mass) Nativity Vigil – 6:30 pm and 10 pm

Dec. 25 Solemnity of the Nativity – 9 am

Second Sunday of Advent 2 December 10, 2017

A Note from Our Pastor This week, we celebrate the feast of our patron, St. John of the Cross. We say and hear his name often, but what do we know about him?

Born into poverty on June 24, 1542 in Fontiveros, Avila, Spain, St. John of the Cross was a Spanish mystic and poet. Early on, John learned the meaning of sacrifice as his family moved from town to town trying to make a living. They ultimately settled in Medina, and John worked for some time in a hospital, serving the poor who were stricken with incurable diseases while receiving schooling with the Jesuits. He believed that he was told in prayer, that his life was to be dedicated to God.

He became a Carmelite monk in 1563 and an ordained priest in 1567. A year later, he was summoned by Theresa of Abila to reform the Carmelite order - feeling as though her order was not living their vows of poverty, chastity and obedience with zeal - thereby not standing as a witness to a holy life in the world. She also encouraged him to establish a monastery of friars dedicated to solidarity and contemplation, believing that a holy life of prayer and sacrifice was required to experience full union with God. St. John of the Cross accepted her invitation, but many of his brother friars felt that his way was too strict and many conflicts arose as he attempted to bring reforms. Eventually, his own superiors tried to stop him by imprisoning him in 1576 and again in 1577. He was isolated in a narrow, dark cell and publicly beaten, suffering separation and desolation. But a kind guard slipped paper into John’s cell allowing him to write many beautiful spiritual masterpieces.

Many of his writings, including the Spiritual Canticle, the Dark Night of the Soul and Living Flame of Love are considered some of the best in mystical Spanish literature. He ultimately escaped from prison and continued to help St. Theresa to build monasteries across Spain. He was canonized as a saint in 1726 by Pope Benedict XXIII and is one of the 35 Doctors of the Church appointed by Pope Pius XI in 1926.

He is the patron saint of Spanish poets, mystic theology and contemplative life.

While his life of poverty and persecution could have lead him to be cynical and angry, he overcame those things and became a compassionate man who joined his sufferings with the sufferings of Christ on the cross.

Sometime this week, take a moment to pray before the statue of St. John of the Cross and also to look at and pray before the holy relic of our patron beside his statue. May we all strive to be more like him in our resolve to stand for the truth, no matter what the cost and to attempt to be more contemplative in our lives, detaching ourselves from the things of this world to grow ever closer to God.

St. John of the Cross, pray for us.

Questioning your faith or need help with an

issue in your life?

Talk to the pastor.

Set up appointment with Fr. Sal by calling 216.289.0770

or emailing to frsal@saintjohnofthecross.org.

Father Salvatore Ruggeri

St. John of the Cross

Priest and Doctor of the Church

Feast Day — Dec. 14

“Be content simply with a loving and peaceful attentiveness to God.”

Pray for the Sick of the Parish and their Caregivers

Scripture Readings for the Week Sunday:

Isaiah 40:1-5, 9-11 Psalms 85:9-10,11-12,13-14[8] 2 Peter 3:8-14 Mark 1:1-8

Monday:

Isaiah 35:1-10 Psalms 85:9ab and 10, 11-12, 13-14 [Is 35:4f] Luke 5:17-26

Tuesday:

Zechariah 2:14-17 or Revelation 11:19a; 12:1-6a, 10ab Judith 13:18bcde, 19 [15:9d] Luke 1:26-38 or Luke 1:39-47

Wednesday:

Isaiah 40:25-31 Psalms 103:1-2, 3-4, 8, 10 [1] Matthew 11:28-30

Thursday:

Isaiah 41:13-20 Psalms 145:1 and 9, 10-11, 12-13ab [8] Matthew 11:11-15

Friday:

Isaiah 48:17-19 Psalms 1:1-2, 3, 4 and 6 [cf. Jn 8:12] Matthew 11:16-19

Saturday:

Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11 Psalms 80:2ac and 3b, 15-16, 18-19 [4] Matthew 17:9a, 10-13

Next Sunday:

Isaiah 61:1-2a, 10-11 Luke 1:46-48, 49-50, 53-54 [Is 61:10b] 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24 John 1:6-8, 19-28

Monday, Dec. 11 Advent Weekday 6:30pm Italo Pinto

Tuesday, Dec. 12 Our Lady of Guadalupe 8:15 am Beverly Olsin

Wednesday, Dec. 13 Feast Day of St. Lucy

Thursday, Dec. 14 Feast Day of St. John of the Cross 6:30 pm Ferdinand Krecic

Friday, Dec. 15 Advent Weekday 8:15 am Martin & Ursula Sustarscic

Saturday, Dec. 16 Advent Weekday 4:00 pm Robert Kravos

Sunday, Dec. 17 3rd Sunday of Advent 9:00 am Burrello Family 11:00 am Joseph Jarc

Mass Intentions for the Week

Second Sunday of Advent 3 December 10, 2017

ST. JOHN OF THE CROSS PRAYER NETWORK HOTLINE 216-289-0770 ext. 33

Call and leave a short message regarding your request. Let us know when your request has been answered. We can also offer prayers of thanksgiving. All information will be kept confidential.

Remember our elderly and homebound in prayer as well.

Please notify the Parish Office when a name can be removed from this list.

Beverley Argento Lew Ballard Jim Brown Noella Burrows Chester Campana Jane DePalma David DeProspero Lillian Dolenc Constance Durrah Mary Frain Ann Grossman Joe Hocevar Marlene Hoageson

Andrew Jarm Doris Kowalski Lucille Kucharski Joan Latessa Mili Lekan Marie Lipold Bill Magri Joe Matejka Ronald Maxey Rudy Myeress Jeff Monger John Paglia Linda Palko

Joe Pastore Anna Pepock Joan Raddell Pat Rossoll Martha Rymer Carole Smigelski Frank Somrack Mary Somrack John Tarmann John Tousel Marcie Vanek Rita Vaitkus

Second Sunday of Advent 4 December 10, 2017

Parish Family Life Events Welcome If you are visiting, we welcome you and hope you will join us again. You can find out more about us on www.Facebook.com/sjocp.

Membership If you wish to become a member of our parish, complete the online form on our website, visit the parish office, or call us. We look forward to welcoming you!

Baptism Expectant parents are to attend a Baptism Class prior to scheduling a Baptism. Contact the parish office to discuss arrangements.

Marriage Wedding arrangements are to be made at least six months in advance. Please call Fr. Sal at the Parish Office.

Our Deepest Sympathies Family of Evelyn Kublin

May they know the peace and comfort of God’s love and find strength in the support of friends, family and our parish community.

Parish News & Events

Liturgical Tribute Fund All money that is donated to this fund in memory of a loved one or friend, or a special occasion will be used to purchase items utilized in our worship and help us to do all that we can to assure that we have what we need to worship reverently and well.

Sincere thank you for your donations to our Liturgical Tribute Fund:

In Memory of Ferdinand Krecic ......................................... Coletta Hyland, Anthony Krecic, Josephine Sezun, Joe & Dawn Hocevar

In Memory of William Carrick .............................................. Carrick Family

In Memory of William Carrick .................................................Barb Pophal

In Memory of Greg Lonchor .....................................................Barb Pophal

In Memory of Greg Lonchor ................................................ Monger Family

In Memory of Del Mastrangelo ................................................Barb Pophal

Financial Peace … a Gift Many Really Need

The gift-giving season can be a serious reminder of our cash shortage and excess of debt. Does this describe you, or someone you love? After many parishioner requests, we are conducting a series of weekly classes for Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University, starting Jan. 8. For tens of thousands of people, it has changed their lives. As heard at the Masses this weekend, if we get 10 new registrations by Dec. 14, cost of all materials is only $99, including the free book “The Legacy Journey.” Register by calling 216.289.0770. After Thursday, please register for $109 at www.saintjohnofthecross.org/financial-peace-university.

Your Financial Stewardship Last Week Giving .......................................... $7,443.59 Maintenance Giving ..................................... $2,422.00 Online Giving ................................................ $2,301.00 Online Maintenance Giving ............................ $565.50 Total ....................................................... $12,732.09

Order Your CDs as Christmas Gifts!

The new music CD, “Blessed Beyond Measure,” a parish ministries fundraiser, is now available! Songs include some of your favorite hymns like How Great Thou Art and contemporary hits like Lord of Eternity, sung by our own Fr. Sal. You can purchase CDs now on our website at www.saintjohnofthecross.org/cd.

Second Sunday of Advent 5 December 10, 2017

Parish Activities Schedule Monday, December 11

7:00 pm RCIA (SHR) 7:30 pm Fr. Mehok’s Scripture Study (Rm. 6) 7:30 pm KofC Meeting (PC)

Tuesday, December 12

5:30 pm Legion of Mary (MR2)

Wednesday, December 13

7:00 pm Choir Practice (C)

Thursday, December 14

6:30 pm Bingo #1 (G)

Friday, December 15

7:00 pm Nine Lessons & Carols (C) 8:00 pm AA Meeting (Rm. 6)

Sunday, December 17

8:45 am Confirmation Session (Rm. 7) C-Church PC-Parish Community Center MR2-Meeting Room #2 G-Gym Rm. 6 & 7 in Parish Community Center

Scripture Study The Gospel of St. Matthew will be studied with Fr. Mehok on Mondays at 7:30 pm in Rm. 6 of the Parish Community Center.

The Season of Advent

Have the Best Advent Ever Take a moment each day this Advent Season to reflect on living as a person of hope that can be characterized by Nine Advent Attitudes. Weekly reflections are available in the bulletins or at www.saintjohnofthecross.org. Also, join Dynamic Catholic every day during Advent and receive short inspirational videos, practical tips, or real-life stories that will help you experience a Christmas full of hope. Sign up at https://

Nine Lessons & Carols Concert: Dec. 15 Experience the sounds of Advent and join us for Nine Lessons & Carols on Friday, Dec. 15 at 7 pm at St. John of the Cross. Celebrate the promise of the coming Messiah as told in nine short Bible readings and songs. Musicians and lectors from Covenant Baptist Church and St. John of the Cross Parish unite for this annual event.

Bambinelli Sunday: Dec. 16 & 17 On this day, the Pope blesses the baby Jesus brought by the children of Rome to connect our nativity sets at home with our church. Bring your baby Jesus to Mass next weekend to be blessed after the homily.

FIAT: Faith Into Action Today In the coming weeks, we will highlight a parish ministry to inspire you to answer the call to service putting your unique talents and interests into action. We will also highlight ordinary parishioners that do extraordinary things. Just as Mary said “yes” to God, may you say “yes” to service. As the Alpha course challenged us to grow in our faith, this is an opportunity to take the “next step.”

Second Sunday of Advent 6 December 10, 2017

Advent & Christmas Schedule Dec. 9-10 Second Sunday of Advent Anointing of the Sick at all Masses

Dec. 15 Nine Lessons & Carols Concert – 7 pm

Dec. 16-17 Third Sunday of Advent Bambinelli Sunday

Dec. 23-24 Fourth Sunday of Advent

Dec. 24 Nativity Vigil – 4 pm, 6:30 pm and 10 pm

Dec. 25 Solemnity of the Nativity – 9 am

Dec. 30-31 Holy Family Sunday

Jan. 1 Solemnity of Mary – 9 am

Jan. 6-7 Epiphany Sunday

Jan. 8 Baptism of Our Lord – 6:30 pm

More News & Events

Our Mission We are the Catholic Community of St. John of the Cross, established in 2009. Uniting the people of God as one family, we are rooted in, and empowered by, our sacramental life and Eucharistic celebrations. Living as disciples of Jesus Christ, we recognize our God given potential and challenge one another to share our giftedness, embrace our diversity, and engage in social outreach, service and education. In doing so, we seek to extend the reign of God in Euclid and the wider community.

All children are invite to participate in the Children’s Christmas Eve Liturgy, at 4 pm. Please contact the Parish Office by December 14 if you are interested.

Children’s Christmas Eve Liturgy

Kathy Hlad Honored One of our parishioners, Kathy Hlad, was recently inducted into the National Cleveland-Style Polka Hall of Fame based in Euclid. Voted in by her peers and fans, Kathy received the Lifetime Achievement Award, the Hall’s most prestigious honor. About 3,000 people from across the U.S., Canada, Slovenia and the Netherlands were in town for the festivities.

Kathy, shown here with long-time friend and parishioner Bill Perko, has been one of the leading button accordionists on the Cleveland-style Polka scene since the 1970s. Kathy has won six annual button box awards from the Polka Hall of Fame, plus five as musical director of the Captain’s Crew. She was also crowned Miss SNPJ, and Slovenian Woman of the Year by the Federation of Slovenian Homes. Learn more about Kathy on our website.

Visiting Eucharistic Ministers

Richmond Heights Hospital Wednesday, December 13 ............................... Joanne

Grande Pointe Sunday, December 17 .................................. Eric & Jeff

Ministers Schedule — December 16-17, 2017

Masses: Presiders Greeters Lector 1 Lector 2 Eucharistic Ministers Servers

Saturday 4 pm

Fr. Timothy K. Brindo M. Hiti

M. McVoy L. McVoy C. Barni, M. Freas, P. Kiikka, P. McVoy, W. Nalepka, J. Page, B. Pophal, R. Raguz

K. Brokamp

Sunday 9 am

Fr. Sal M. Chinchar M. Singer

D. DiMare D. Wagner L. Ashcroft, M. Chinchar, L. Petrof, G. Petrof, M. Proctor, J. Volk, R. Volk, M. Wagner

A. Somich A. Somich

Sunday 11 am

Fr. Mehok

R. Simek M. Van Gorder

J. Solpa L. Williams D. Apanasewicz, R. Apanasewicz, J. Berquist, K. Burke, E. Dulaney, J. Kirchmeir, J. Matlock, D. Rymer

C. Chapo E. Chapo

Need to Know

Second Sunday of Advent 7 December 10, 2017

Mass Schedule

Celebration of Eucharist

Saturday Vigil ........................ 4:00 pm

Sunday .................................. 9:00 am & 11:00 am

Monday & Thursday ............. 6:30 pm

Tuesday & Friday .................. 8:15 am

Holy Day ................................ 8:15 am, noon & 6:30 pm

Eucharistic Adoration

First Friday ............................ 9:00 am—4:00 pm

Sacrament of Reconciliation

Saturday ................................ 3:00—3:30 pm

Rosary follows Tuesday and Friday am Masses

Parish Staff & Office Hours Rev. Salvatore M. Ruggeri ............ Pastor

Rev. Timothy Buyansky, OSB ....... Weekend Assistant

Rev. Edward E. Mehok ................. Weekend Assistant

Rev. Mr. Charles Doerpers ........... Deacon

Dr. Francesco Binda ...................... Director of Music

Terri Burrello ................................ Sacristan

Anita Linsky .................................. Secretary

Kay Magri ...................................... Business Manager

Nancy Powell ................................ Bookkeeper

Parish Office Hours

Monday−Friday ............................. 8:00 am−4:00 pm

Saturday ........................................ 9:00 am−1:00 pm

Counters

Monday, December 18 ................................. “C” Team

Interested in joining our parish or becoming Catholic? Call {216) 289-0770 to set up an appointment.