December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

December 17, 2017 THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT

Fr. Edward Dover, Pastor (fred@hr-sj.org)

Holy Redeemer Church: 2411 Montrose Ave., Montrose, CA 91020 St James the Less Church: 4625 Dunsmore Ave., La Crescenta, CA 91214

Parish Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am -12noon, 1:00pm—5:00pm

(818)249-2008 www.hrsjcatholic.com

OUR MISSION: Sharing Faith, Celebrating Traditions, and Serving Each Other to the Praise and Glory of God.

READINGS FOR THE WEEK Monday: Jer 23:5-8; Ps 72:1-2, 12-13, 18-19; Mt 1:18-25 Tuesday: Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a; Ps 71:3-4a, 5-6ab, 16-17; Lk 1:5-25 Wednesday: Is 7:10-14; Ps 24:1-4ab, 5-6; Lk 1:26-38 Thursday: Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a; Ps 33:2-3, 11-12, 20-21; Lk 1:39-45 Friday: 1 Sm 1:24-28; 1 Sm 2:1, 4-8abcd; Lk 1:46-56 Saturday: Mal 3:1-4, 23-24; Ps 25:4-5ab, 8-10, 14; Lk 1:57-66 Sunday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29;

Rom 16:25-27; Lk 1:26-38

MASS TIMES Monday, Wednesday, Friday - 8:00 am @ Holy Redeemer Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday - 8:00 am @ St. James Saturday Vigil Mass - 4:00 pm @ Holy Redeemer Sunday Masses - 8:30 am @ St. James - 10:00 am @ Holy Redeemer - 11:30 am @ St. James - 5:30 pm @ Holy Redeemer

ADORATION & SACRAMENT OF RECONCILIATION Wednesdays at St. James the Less Church from 8:00 to 9:00 pm.

Sacrament of Reconciliation also by appointment.

SACRAMENT OF ANOINTING OF THE SICK Call the Parish Office at 818-249-2008.

Area Penance Services: Incarna on December 18 at 7pm

St. Bede December 19 at 7pm Prepare for the Christmas Season by celebrating the Sacrament of Reconciliation during Advent!

PREPARE Advent is a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of Jesus, a time

when we ask ourselves is there room for the baby Jesus in the Inn of our hearts?

SACRAMENTS & WORSHIP SACRAMENTS OF THE CATHOLIC CHURCH

INTERCESSIONS: PLEASE KEEP IN YOUR PRAYERS

Jim Flaherty, Gene Blackmun, Barbara Diekmann, Madeleine Doctors, Bill Ferguson, Kay LaMantia,

Bonny Shaw, Alex & Teresa Kirkaldy, Larry Legind, Ron McLoud, Josie Lawrence, Dolores Maggipinto,

Vito Maggipinto, Omar Mullen, Andres Ramirez, Richy Reivydas, Gloria Rodriguez, Michele Ruegg,

Tony Samaan, Mary Schneider, Beri Trestrail, Anthony Trujillo, Brent Canvano, Maria Hattick, Tom Yamarone, Vivianne Young, Gay Goehrish,

Margaret Gibbons, Norman Peters Jr., Ray Lucero, Larry Weisner, Patricia Rios,

Thomas Gilliland, Danguole Varnas, Ofelia Lopez, and Tommie Stopper

Let us pray for all who have died, that they may rejoice with the Risen Lord, especially:

Jean Lundgren, Catherine Olson,

and Clara San llo

May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God rest in peace.

This past week, our parish family was privileged to pray for …

Mary Cathleen Marshall, Molly Powers, Austin Williams, Sister Mary Kay Dum BVM,

Patrick Cheeseman, Dahlia Madrid, Dan & Helen Pierre, Clara Santillo, Veronica McKim,

Marguerite Bateman, Arsenio Gaetos & Family, Rosa & Frank Titus, Elaina McClain, James Christo-pher Baumgartner, Brenda Currer, Nora McElligott,

Marge Downs, Vickee Toomey Main, Lilia Sanchez Pascual, and

For the Parishioners of Holy Redeemer and St James Please continue to lift each other up in prayer.

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are held on the

· First Sunday during the 10am Mass at HR · Third Sunday during the11:30am Mass at SJ

Please call the parish office for further information.

Sacrament of First Communion Preparation for children who have attained the age of reason (usually during 2nd grade) is arranged either through the Office of Religious Education or the parish school. This is a two-year program.

Sacrament of Confirmation

A two-year program for high school teens. Apply through the Life Teen office: hrsjlifeteen@gmail.com

Sacrament of Matrimony Please contact the Parish Office upon engagement; at least six months is needed for preparation of this joyous sacrament!

Holy Orders/Religious Orders Anyone interested in a religious life as a priest, deacon, or sister please contact Father Ed: fred@hr-sjcatholic.org. Anointing of the Sick Please notify the parish office as early as possible for the Anointing of the Sick, the sacrament intended for the seriously ill or dying. It is Our Lord’s special presence and companionship in serious time of need. Anointing may take place in the home, at the hospital or elsewhere, and as often as once a month.

@FrEdHRSJ @hrsjcatholic

www.hrsjcatholic.com

@hrsjparish

EVANGELIZATION & FORMATION

CHILDREN’S LITURGY OF THE WORD Join us for Children’s Liturgy of the Word (CLW). CLW is an age-appropriate Liturgy of the Word offered for ages 5 through 3rd grade at the 8:30am Mass. No pre-registration is necessary. All children are welcome and encouraged to attend. Just before the Liturgy of the Word begins for the as-sembly, these children are invited to go with the catechist to the Church Sacristy, located behind the altar at St James. During this special time, the catechist teacher leads the children through prayers, songs and readings that are simplified for children.

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Last week, we looked at a form of nativity scene called a presipio, characterized by framing the crèche of Jesus with a vast array of personalities and a rich geo-graphical context. The tradition was carried to the New World, and finds very rich expression in Latin America today. While in Europe the presepio was reserved mostly to the homes of wealthy nobles and great churches, in Latin America it was claimed by the poor and expressed the skills of native artisans. In Mexico, you can still find clay figures in every village market. In a way, the native people took the religion of Spanish rule and baptized it with their Indian culture by surrounding the crib of Je-sus with local geography and people. In Brazil, where Christmas falls in summer, the figure of the baby Jesus is wrapped in gold and gems, and set on a hillside sur-rounded by flowers and animals of all kinds. Sometimes there is a double presepio, presenting both Nativity and Crucifixion. In some places in Latin America, even non-religious people take care to have a presepio in the home, some-times dedicating one whole room in the house or apart-ment to the scene. Some cities have markets where peo-ple from the countryside sell plants and figurines. In Cuzco, churches and families provide hot chocolate for the children of the poor who come down to help create the nativity scenes. In Paraguay, the baby Jesus grows—the small infant who arrives on Christmas Eve is re-placed at New Year with a toddler Jesus who holds in one hand the globe and in the other a cross. Few Christ-

mas traditions have the vitality and variety of presepios and crèches honoring the Nativity. —Rev. James Field, Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co.

Are you a walker? Jogger? Marathon runner? Whether you take a weekly stroll through Descanso Gardens or have completed the L.A. Marathon - we would love to hear from you! HRSJ has a gift for

the first 10 people who respond. Please email Trish at drehrsj@gmail.com.

REJOICE Isaiah proclaims truly good news to us! God’s com-ing brings not sadness, guilt, fear, wrath, or condemna-tion. No, God’s coming is a source of comfort and joy. Saying it once is not enough, for today’s readings are full of joy. Mary’s Magnificat substitutes for our psalm today, and our second reading encourages us to rejoice, to give thanks and praise. This is the root meaning of the Greek word for eucharist. We are urged to rejoice and give thanks, because the coming of the Lord brings joy, healing, liberty, release, vindication. It makes the very earth spring up with new life! Good tidings! Copyright © J. S. Paluch Co., Inc

THE SPIRIT OF THE SEASON IS UPON US!

CHRISTMAS MASSES

Sunday, Christmas Eve, December 24th 4:00 pm - HOLY REDEEMER Church

4:00 pm - ST. JAMES Church (Children’s Liturgy) 5:30 pm - HOLY REDEEMER Church

11:00 pm – HOLY REDEEMER Church

Monday Christmas Day, December 25th 8:30 am – ST. JAMES Church

10:00 am – HOLY REDEEMER Church 11:30 am – ST. JAMES Church

5:30 pm – HOLY REDEEMER Church

Tuesday, December 26th NO MASS

For The Whole Family

St James Holy Redeemer Catholic School Christmas Program

On December 21st, our parish school children will present its annual Christmas Concert at

7:00 pm in Holy Redeemer Healy Hall. Join us as we celebrate this holy season in song, story,

and music. All are welcome!

Rejoice always. Pray without ceasing.

— 1 Thessalonians 5:16-17

Christmas Decorators Needed It takes a great many volunteers to help decorate our church for Christmas. Volunteers are needed on the following days. If you can help for a day, several days or a few hours we would be grateful for your assistance. • Wednesday, December 20th at St James Church beginning at 9 am • Thursday, December 21st at Holy Redeemer Church beginning at 9 am • Friday, December 22nd at Holy Redeemer Church beginning at 9 am For further informa on, contact Claire in the parish offices.

OUR COMMUNITY

REMINDER FOR BULLETIN ITEMS Please e-mail items for the bulletin in an editable format by the Thursday of the week before publication. Thank you!

Servants of Holy Redeemer-St James Unified Catholic Community

YOUR PARISH IS THERE FOR YOU Communion for Sick and Homebound Parishioners Please call the parish offices if you would like to re-ceive Communion –we will make the arrangements with the Eucharistic Ministers to the Sick.

If You Should Experience the Loss of a Loved One Please call the parish offices. If you feel you will be in need, or your loved one has passed, our Bereavement Ministers will assist in making arrangements with your chosen funeral directors and offer you helpful guide-lines that will aid in the Liturgical planning of the Mass or Memorial Service. We know that this can be a tough time and we want you to know that your parish is there for you.

Servant of Prayer & Worship Claire McLiam

Servants of Music Ministry Amelia Acosta Andrea Anderson Michael Paul Leon

Servants of Chris an Forma on Michael Paul Leon Susan Romero Trish Swords

Servants of Administra on Deirdre Cascelli Christine Corrigan Kathy McCauley

Doug Sinning

Ordained Servants

Rev. Edward Dover, Pastor

Rev. Msgr. Marc Trudeau, Weekend Support

Rev. George Brincat, Pastor Emeritus-Our Lady of Lourdes

Deacon Joseph Hegenbart

SENIOR SOCIAL CLUBS Everyone is Welcome!

• Holy Redeemer Pioneer Club meetings are on the 1st and 3rd Monday of the month at 11 am in HR Healy Hall.

• St James New Beginnings meetings are on the 2nd and 4th Monday of the month at 11am in SJ Msgr. Barry Hall.

CHRISTMAS & YEAR-END GIFTS

During the Advent season we ask you to reflect upon the blessings you have received throughout this year and to consider making a yare-end or Christmas gift IN GRATITUDE for these blessings in your lives. GIVE ONLINE The easiest way to make your year-end gift to Holy Redeemer—St James Catholic Community is via credit or debit card. Simply visit www.hrsjcatholic.com/Service & Stewardship/Giving to: • Make a one-time, year-end gift (designate

“Christmas Year-End” from the giving opportunities/second collections)

• Create a regular, recurring gift for the coming year BRING YOUR GIFT TO MASS Each Christmas we send all registered households a Christmas letter from Fr. Ed with a return envelope for your Christmas year-end gift. You can place your envelope in the offertory or mail to: Holy Redeemer-St James Church 2411 Montrose Ave Montrose, Ca 91020 We rely on your generosity at Christmas to continue serving and praying as one community and one body in Christ-her at Holy Redeemer-St James Catholic Community and around the world. For any questions about giving, contact Kathy McCauley at 818-249-2008 or kmccauley@hr-sj.org.

Thank you for your love and generosity this Advent season

and throughout the year.

BROTHER’S HELPERS FEEDING THOSE IN NEED...

Los Angeles leads the nation with over 80,000 homeless trying to survive here on the streets of one of the largest cities in the country. Of these 80,000 over 40% are women and children. Guided by the principles and values of the Missionaries of Charity, Brothers' Helpers is on a mission to prepare nutritious meals and deliver them to the poorest of the poor in downtown Los Angeles. We are a 100% volunteer organization. Join us today! • Tuesday’s at Holy Redeemer Healy Hall at 3pm • Thursday’s at St James Msgr Barry Hall at 3pm

LOAVES & FISHES FOOD BANK Non-perishable food collection

for the hungry Holy Redeemer—2nd Sunday of each

month—in bins near restrooms. St. James—last Sunday of each month—

in bins in vestibule

Did You Know?.....Pay attention to signs of neglect

Neglect is a form of child abuse characterized by a failure to meet a child’s basic needs for nourishment, shelter, clothing, healthcare, education and so forth. Be on the lookout for signs of neglect in the children you see on a daily basis because if these needs are not met, a child may be suffering physically and emotionally. Some signs of neglect include malnourishment, poor hygiene, and insufficient medical care. For more information, and a copy of the VIRTUS® article “The Oft-Forgotten Type of Abuse: Neglect,” visit http://www.la-archdiocese.org/org/protecting/Pages/VIRTUS-Current-Online-Articles.aspx, or call (213) 637-7508.

SAFEGUARD THE CHILDREN

SERVICE & OUTREACH

COFFEE AND DONUTS AFTER MASS Everyone is welcome in the gathering area where our parish family enjoys an atmosphere of friendship, community and belonging! Join us for Coffee and

Doughnuts following the: • 8:30am Sunday Mass (proceeds going to the

Archdiocese Adopt-a-Family program) • 10:00am Sunday Mass—First and Third Sunday of

the month (Proceeds to Boy Scout Troop 317 scouting events)

St James—Holy Redeemer School December Service Project

The students are sharing the Spirit of Christmas through their annual Adopt-A-Family program. Gifts will be col-lected to assist families who are in crisis and

provide a wonderful holiday experience for families at a critical time in their lives.

VFW and American Legion Christmas Service Project

The men and women of our local VFW (Veterans of Foreign Wars) and The American Legion posts are asking for your help….

If your spouse, son, daughter, grandson, or granddaughter are in ac ve duty with the

United States Army, Marines, Navy, Air Force, or Coast Guard, please forward their informa on:

Name Rank

Address To the parish office (818)249-2008.

The VFW and The American Legion are sending gree ngs for the holidays in gra tude and kindness

to those of our parish community serving our country.

Please keep in your prayers Our Service Men & Women serving in the United States military

and their safe return home…..