Nativity of Mary Church and School 10017 E 36th Terrace Independence, MO 64052

Parish: (816) 353-2184 Fax: (816) 358-4155 School: (816) 353-0284 Web: www.nativityofmary.org

“My attitude must be Christ’s.” - Philippians 2:5

Parish Staff Rev. Robert Stone, Pastor Melissa Clancy, Business Manager Paula Cassity, Administrative Assistant Maria Milazzo, Music Ministry & Liturgist Becky Winbinger, Youth Group Mary Jo Nafus, Secretary School Staff Mrs. Mary Parrish, Principal Carmen Wolfgeher, Secretary New Parishioners If you are new to our parish and would like more information please contact the Parish Office. Pastoral Care Sacraments for the Sick. Rev. Bob Stone, 353-2184, ext. 404 Pastoral visits to the Homebound and Hospitals. Paula Cassity, 353-2184, ext. 401 Emergency Assistance Contact St. Mary’s Food Pantry and Clothes Closet - 252-8649 Youth Ministry Becky Winbinger, 353-2184, ext. 408 Sacrament Preparation Baptism, First Reconciliation, First Eucharist, Confirmation, Adult Initiation (RCIA), and Matrimony Contact the parish office for information Parish Ministry Council Marilyn Mineart - 509-1277/minmar23@att.net Diocesan Victim’s Advocate Kathleen Chastain 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org

Ombudsman Jenifer Valenti, 816-812-2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net Visit us at https://www.facebook.com/nativityofmaryparish/

Mass Schedule Monday: 8:30 a.m. Communion Service Weekday: 8:30 a.m. Tuesday - Friday Saturday: 4:00 p.m. Sunday: 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. Holy Day: 8:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. Confessions Saturday: 3:00 p.m. or by Appointment

December 23, 2018

The Fourth Sunday of Advent

Artwork by Avery, 8th grade student

DECEMBER 23, 2018 - THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MASS INTENTIONS READINGS DECEMBER 22 - 30, 2018

Monday: 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16; Ps 89:2-5, 27, 29; Lk 1:67-79 Tuesday: Vigil: Is 62:1-5; Ps 89:4-5, 16-17, 27, 29; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt 1:1-25 [18-25] Night: Is 9:1-6; Ps 96:1-3, 11-13; Ti 2:11-14; Lk 2:1-14 Dawn: Is 62:11-12; Ps 97:1, 6, 11-12; Ti 3:4-7; Lk 2:15-20 Day: Is 52:7-10; Ps 98:1-6; Heb 1:1-6; Jn 1:1-18 [1-5, 9-14] Wednesday: Acts 6:8-10; 7:54-59; Ps 31:3cd-4, 6, 8ab, 16bc, 17; Mt 10:17-22 Thursday: 1 Jn 1:1-4; Ps 97:1-2, 5-6, 11-12; Jn 20:1a, 2-8 Friday: 1 Jn 1:5 -- 2:2; Ps 124:2-5, 7b-8; Mt 2:13-18 Saturday: 1 Jn 2:3-11; Ps 96:1-3, 5b-6; Lk 2:22-35 Sunday: Sir 3:2-6, 12-14 or 1 Sm 1:20-22, 24-28; Ps 128:1-5 or Ps 84:2-3, 5-6, 9-10; Col 3:12-21 [12-17] or 1 Jn 3:1-2, 21-24; Lk 2:41-52

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

Sat., Dec. 22 - Vigil of the 4th Sunday of Advent

4:00PM + Frank Baker, Kenneth F. & Gary Johnson

Sunday, Dec. 23 - The 4th Sunday of Advent

8:00AM + O. L. & Kathryn Nauser

10:30AM + John “Hank” Rys

Monday, December 24 - Christmas Eve

3:00PM + Barney & Maxine Breunig, Lucille Payne,

+ Jackie Crabtree

Tuesday, December 25 - Christmas

12:00AM + Jay Totta, Caterina & Angelo DiGaetano

+ Oscar & Margaret Byrd

10:00AM + Al & Mary Flowers

Wednesday, December 26 - St. Stephen, 1st Martyr

8:30AM Communion Service

Thursday, December 27 - St. John the Apostle

8:30AM Communion Service

Friday, December 28 - The Holy Innocents

8:30AM Communion Service - Mary Therese Carroll

Sat. December 29 - Vigil of the Holy Family

4:00PM In honor of St. Christopher

Sunday, December 30 - The Holy Family

8:00AM + Virginia McMenamy & Ron Brumbaugh

10:30AM + Mary Katherine Gregg

THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT MUSIC OUTLINE

Readings may be found beginning on G #1002

Gathering: G #395, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel Psalm: G #1002, Psalm 80: Lord, make us turn to you Offertory: God Never Tires or G #909, Jesus, Hope of the World Mass Setting: G #211-16, Mass of Joy and Peace Communion: G #889, Hail Mary: Gentle Woman Song of Praise: SS #134, Come and Set Us Free Margaret Ault Barbara Garrett Alyssa Schell

Steve Christensen Marla Herbst Mary Kay Seller

John Clarke Cynthia/Dennis Jones Patrick Singleton

Shelly Clemons Debbie Haney Kubiak Bernice/Norm Steffen

Jean Covey Jack McEnroe Zeniada Torres

Bob DeSchepper Anna McNeil John Tuccillo

Roni Durkee Jim Miceli Carol Byrd Weaver

Mary Enyart Cheryl Owen Daniel Wheeler

Ally/Shannon Fowler Juan/Mary Perez Gerard Wickey

Garry/Emily Gagnon Carlos Pinon Ayden Wright

Please pray for the repose of the souls of Elnora Newton (parishioner), Mark Arthur (son of Terry Arthur), Mary Katherine

Gregg (mother of Michelle Gregg), Tom Pott (brother of Kay Pott), and Vern Ault (husband of Margaret). We offer our prayers and sympathy to their families. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

DECEMBER 23, 2018 - PARISH NEWS

Did You Know…

During FIRE Week the students at Nativity raised $287 for the FIRE Foundation. This week we received the following message

from FIRE (Foundation for Inclusive Religious Education).

It’s exciting to hear about all the fun ways Catholic Schools celebrate inclusion. Your school is a special place where you help everyone feel a true sense of belonging. Thanks for recognizing and honoring the unique gifts and talents and traits every single student brings to your community. You worked hard to sell raffle tickets and raise money to support FIRE. Thank you! It’s wonderful to hear about (and sometimes see the photos) of the FIRE Week activi-ties at your school. The money you raise makes it possi-ble for students who learn differently to participate in all the things that make Catholic schools awesome places to learn and grow.

“Whoever receives one child such as this in my name re-ceives me”. –Mark 9:37

NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT 12/1/2018 & 12/2/2018

Envelopes $ 14,203.00 Plate $ 645.00 Church Debt $ 1,172.00 Pisces Fund $ 652.00 Utility Fund $ 7.00 EFT $ - Credit Card $ 441.50 Online Giving $ 402.86 Poor Box $ 200.00 Total $ 17,723.36

Tuition/Registration Fees 18-19 $ 18,359.66

NOVEMBER 2018 FIGURES

Total Offertory income Budgeted $ 46,333.33 for September

Total Contributions received $ 45,569.69 for October

Over/(Short Fall) of Budget $763.64

Envelopes $ 7,357.00 Plate $ 740.00

Church Debt $ 344.00 Pisces Fund $ 32.00 Utility Fund $ 1,005.00 EFT $ 820.00 Credit Card $ - Online Giving $ 23.86 Poor Box $ 30.00 Total $ 10,351.86

Holy Day Collection $ 1,104.40 Reglious Retirement 2nd Collection $ 921.00

Tuition/Registration Fees 18-19 $ 8,286.83

NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT 12/8/2018 & 12/9/2018

DECEMBER 23, 2018 - JANUARY 12, 2019 CALENDAR

Sunday 23 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM - Choir

Monday 24 3:00PM Mass 8PM - Choir

Tuesday 25 12AM - Midnight Mass 10:00AM Mass

Wednesday 26 8:30AM Communion Serv.

Thursday 27 8:30AM Communion Serv.

Friday 28 8:30AM Communion Serv.

Saturday 29 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass

30 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM - Choir

31 8:30AM Communion Serv.

January 1 10:00AM Mass The Solemnity of Mary

2 8:30AM Mass

3 8:30AM Mass No Altar Society Meeting

4 8:30AM Mass 9AM-Noon Eucharistic Adoration

5 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass

6 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass

7 8:30AM Communion Serv.

8 8:30AM Mass 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA 7PM - Ministry Council Meeting

9 8:30AM Mass 7PM - Choir

10 8:30AM Mass

11 8:30AM Mass

12 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass

C H R I STM A S

S C H E D U L E

Dec. 24 & 25 3:00 PM Mass Midnight Mass 10:00 AM Mass

Lectors Youth Mass

Barbara Garrett Grace Arnone

Marilyn Fellows Mike Fetters

Eucharistic Ministers

Theresa Walter Becky Adkins Mary Ann McClure Helen Austin Loretta Van Bibber Vanessa Wiegman Volunteer

Rosa Milazzo Carla Brewer Ed Seufert Judy Seufert Donna Arnone Michelle Hix Susie Kenney

Sara Breunig Ray Singer Lisa Dec Margaret Ruiz Larry Lamb Bob DeSchepper Volunteer

Ushers Marilyn Mineart Julian Huff Rich Carroll Teresa Zaner

Mike Monley Bernie Schulte Mike Eaton Volunteer

Janet Duffey Donnie Duffey Bob Murphy Ron Galvan

Servers Meekin Becker Henry Becker

Katie Winbinger Ben Winbinger

Matt Lakin Volunteer

Cantor Children’s Choir Choir Choir

Accompanist JoAnn Ishmael Susan Walker JoAnn Ishmael

Gluten-free hosts are available. Talk to Fr. Bob before Mass.

The Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph is committed to combating sexual abuse in the Church. If you are a victim of sexual abuse, or if you observe or suspect sexual abuse:

1. Call the Missouri Child Abuse Hotline at 1.800.392.3738 (if the victim is currently under the age of 18), and 2. Contact your local law enforcement agency or call 911, and 3. After reporting to these civil and law enforcement authorities, report suspected sexual abuse of a minor or vulnerable adult to the Dioce-san Ombudsman, Jenifer Valenti, at 816.812.2500 or JeniferValenti@att.net, if the abuse involves a priest, deacon, em-ployee or volunteer of the Diocese of Kansas City-St. Joseph.

The Diocese has a sincere commitment to providing care and healing resources to victims of sexual abuse and their families. Please contact Victim Advocate, Kathleen Chastain, at 816.392.0011 or chastain@diocesekcsj.org for more information.

Devotional candles are kept in the kiosk. If you would like to light one just ask an usher for assistance. There is a slot and envelopes available in the kiosk to place your $5 donation.

If you have a suggestion, concern, or comment you would like the Parish Ministry Council to address there are cards on the kiosk for you to fill out and drop in the slot.

Dec. 29 & 30 4:00 PM Mass 8:00 AM Mass 10:30 AM Mass

Lectors Joe Arnone Marilyn Fellows

Brian DeMarea Nancy Ronan

Barbara Garrett Anita Burks

Eucharistic Ministers

Loretta Van Bibber Sherri Eaton Theresa Walter Vanessa Wiegman Loretta Bates Donna Arnone Loretta Krawczyk

Larry Nauser Mike Fetters Pat Clark Carla Brewer Lisa Dec Judy Seufert

Mary Vitt Rosa Milazzo Sandy DeSchepper Mercy Kimbrough Mary Singer Manny Martinez Helen Austin

Ushers Marilyn Mineart Grace Arnone Sue Reiser Bernie Schulte

Mary Ann McClure Ron Galvan Charles Bellman Volunteer

Mark Bishop Danny Barnes Volunteer Volunteer

Servers Isaac Gonterman Vincent Wiegman

Rachel Abadie Anna Ryan

Lucy Barnes Anna Barnes

Cantor Isabel Wiegman Jim Fleming Maria Milazzo

Accompanist JoAnn Ishamel Chris Rupprecht Susan Walker

T H E

H O L Y

F A M I L Y

January 1 10:00 AM Mass

Cantor Nancy Nauser

Accompanist JoAnn Ishmael

Lectors Mike Fetters Bridgette Kahmann

Eucharistic Ministers

Rosa Milazzo Barbara Garrett Ed Seufert Judy Seufert Becky Adkins Volunteer

Ushers Ed Bruehl Ron Galvan Marilyn Mineart Grace Arnone

Servers Anna Ryan Jack Ryan

S O L E M N I T Y

O F

M A R Y

DECEMBER 23, 2018 - THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT

There is a spirit of audacity in our readings today. During a time of injustice and threat of invasion, the prophet Micah boldly announces that the God of insignificant Israel will raise up a leader from backwater Bethlehem, and this leader will bring justice and peace to the whole world. In the Gospel, Elizabeth and Mary, marginalized women, brazenly celebrate that their sons will be world-changing instruments of God. We further learn that this audacity is rooted in trust in God. The author of Hebrews describes the faithful obedience of Jesus. Mary is shown as the exemplar of faithful trust in God. This is the way God often seems to work, in the ordinary and marginalized in our world. Those who seem weak have learned to trust in God’s strength. These have the audacity to become instruments of God’s peace and justice. FROM SCANDAL TO HONOR The meeting of Mary and Elizabeth follows a strong tradition of women in their culture, to come together to support each other during pregnancy. Mary likely carried a shadow of scandal in her pregnancy, since it began before her marriage. Elizabeth, having carried her own burden of social disapproval after many years without children, sees only cause for celebration. Elizabeth sees beyond the social shame of Mary’s situation to observe how God is working, and how Mary has accepted joining in this work. Unlike Elizabeth’s husband Zechariah, who thought it unbelievable that God could bring them a son, Mary believed the angel’s message. Elizabeth honors Mary, in part, for simply being able to imagine that God could do this extraordinary thing through her. Perhaps God had been preparing Mary’s heart throughout her young life, so that she could be fully receptive to God’s specific call when the time was right. Mary opened herself to an uncertain future, trusting that God would accompany her in the joys and sorrows of being the mother of Jesus. PREGNANT WITH GOD Advent, as a time of preparation for Christmas, echoes the pregnancy of Mary. Something is stirring within us, and we await the coming of Jesus. Although we the Church have observed Advent and Christmas many times, God is always offering something new to us. Like the angel asked Mary, God is always asking us to allow Christ to be born in and through us. Christ wishes to make himself at home within us, and increase his presence in our hearts. Like pregnancy, at times God’s activity within us can be disorienting and confusing. The story of Elizabeth and Mary re-minds us that however uncertain we may be about what God is up to in our lives, we have cause to rejoice--because God is indeed good, and will truly bring blessing to us. And through the fruit of our own wombs, God will bring blessing to the world.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION

In ancient pagan Rome, these days in mid-December were a time for general slacking off at work and far too much re-joicing. The period of leisure after the harvest and a whole cluster of pagan festivals were a force for the church to reckon with. The Saturnalia, breaking out on December 17, was a time of high living and loose morals. Christians were advised by their bishops to drop out of the mayhem and do some serious fasting. A famous church council at Saragossa in Spain made a season of fasting mandatory from December 17 to December 23, exactly coinciding with the Saturnalia. The bishops at that time were perhaps less concerned with preparing for Christmas than with resisting the kind of loose living going on. Modern times have restored a bit of the Saturnalia spirit to our culture, so that a general period of partying with a vague connection to religion is now upon us. How does a Christian keep balance? The practice of charity by remembering the poor in our gift-giving, of hospitality in finding a place at our holiday tables for the poor and lonely, and of daily prayer in the home and at church are great helps. Although Advent is not a penitential season like Lent, it is a time for making room in our lives for what matters most.

Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

A Blessed and Merry Christmas! Fr. Bob and

The Staff of Nativity Parish and School

Artwork by Gage, 2nd grade student