GAUDETE!
December 11, 2016
Monday, December 12, Our Lady of Guadalupe 8:15 a.m. Deceased of the Smiroldo and Spina Families (Smiroldo Family) 6:30 p.m. Gary Mesko (Jim & Pat Mesko) Tuesday, December 13, St. Lucy 8:15 a.m. Deceased of Bonfiglio Family (Anna Fana) 6:30 p.m. Regina Kusnir (Family) Wednesday, December 14, St. John of the Cross 8:15 a.m. Frank Menich (Family) Thursday, December 15 8:15 a.m. Frances McArdle (Daughter) 6:30 p.m. Elsie VanDevere (Joe & Shirley VanDevere) Friday, December 16 8:15 a.m. Intentions of Rita Vaughan (The Robbins Family) 9:00 a.m. Gene DeShon (Jim & Judy Rambacher) 6:30 p.m. Ruth Slinger (Patricia Reese Peters) Saturday, December 17 8:15 a.m. Donald Steinbach (Family) 5:00 p.m. Jerry Caruso (Steven & Carolyn Emrich)
December 18, 2016 Fourth Sunday of Advent 7:30 am, 9:00 am - Pro-Populo, 11:00 am Scripture Readings for the Week: Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
Get ready because things are about to change! December 17 marks the beginning of the O Antiphons of Advent to fulfill God's command for us to Gaudete/Rejoice. For most people, the only contact they have with these antiphons is the carol, “O Come, O Come Emmanuel.” The U.S. Bishops wrote: "The Roman Church has been singing the O Antiphons since at least the eighth century...they accompany the Magnificat canticle of Evening Prayer from Dec. 17-23. They are a magnificent theology that uses ancient biblical imagery drawn from the messianic hopes of the Old Testament to proclaim the coming Christ as the fulfillment not only of Old Testament hopes, but present ones as well. Their repeated use of the imperative 'Come!' embodies the longing of all for the Divine Messiah. According to Fr. William Saunders: “The importance of the “O Antiphons” is twofold: Each one highlights a title for the Messiah: O Sapientia (O Wisdom), O Adonai (O Lord), O Radix Jesse (O Root of Jesse), O Clavis David (O Key of David), O Oriens (O Rising Sun), O Rex Gentium (O King of the Nations), and O Emmanuel (O God-is-withus). Also, each one refers to the prophecy of Isaiah of the coming of the Messiah." More reasons to Gaudete: It is time for our annual Advent Communal Penance. Please come share in this awesome gift of mercy and joy at our cluster confessions this Tuesday (13th) at St. Paul Parish (7:00 p.m.) so you may be ready for Christmas morning. We also rejoice for last week's #WeGiveCatholic campaign. Did you know our school raised $17,200 and the parish $6,655? On top of that, the Diocese of Cleveland gave us an additional $3,000 because we received the highest single donation of all parishes/schools in our diocese. Praise be to God and our generous donors - now that’s something to rejoice about! Thank you! As we come to these final days of our Advent season, keep in mind that there is still time to get your list done: ✔Confessions (check your home mailer or bulletin for our daily specials) ✔Eucharistic Adoration (He is wrapped up and ready for you) ✔Night Prayer with Benediction (a perfect, 1size-fits-all gift) ✔Fr. Schleicher's Ordination anniversary is the 18th (remember, check your list twice for encouraging someone to consider becoming a priest...the gift that keeps on giving) ✔Remember that special person and tell them Thank You. ✔Stop by the Parish or School office to purchase some gift cards (a complete list of what’s available is on the last page of this bulletin.) Gaudete! Fr. Bline
Here’s What’s Happening Around the Parish This Week… Confessions Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 6:00 pm until just before evening Mass. Saturday 3:30-4:45 pm Cluster Communal Penance, Tuesday, December 13, 7:00 pm at St. Paul Parish in Akron Wednesday, December 21, 6:00-7:00 pm Final opportunity for Advent Confessions will be on December 23 from 5:00-6:30 pm
Eucharistic Adoration Monday, Wednesday, Thursday 7:00-8:00 am and 7:00-9:15 pm Tuesday and Friday All day from 7:00 am-9:15 pm, breaking for Masses
Night Prayer (Compline) and Benediction Begins each night in the Church from November 27 through December 23 at 9:00 and ends at 9:15 with Benediction.
Mass Schedule Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) Vigil Mass at 4:00 PM (Children’s Choir) and 6:00 PM Mass During the Night at Midnight (full choir, music begins at 11:30 pm) Mass during the Day 9:00 and 11:00 am Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Vigil Mass December 31, 5:00 pm January 1, 2017 - 7:30, 9:00 and 11:00 am
Sunday, December 11 - Cub Scouts Christmas Party, 12:30-3:00 p.m. (Refectory) - Boy Scouts, 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Refectory) Monday, December 12 - Avila Holy Hour for Vocations, after 8:15 a.m. Mass - 60+ Club Christmas Luncheon, 12:00 noon at Prime 93 - PSR, 7:00-8:00 p.m. - Men’s Scripture Study, 7:00-8:00 p.m. (VHM) - Movie Night, 7:05-8:00 p.m. (VHM) Tuesday, December 13 - Cluster Communal Penance, 7:00 p.m., St. Paul Parish in Akron - Choir Practice, 7:00-9:00 p.m. - Rosary for Our Lady, 7:00 p.m. (Adoremus Room) - RCIA, 7:15-8:30 p.m. (Upper Room) Wednesday, December 14 - Senior Social Group Euchre, 1:00 p.m. (Upper Room) - Choir Practice, 7:00-9:00 p.m. - AA/Al-Anon, 7:30 p.m. (Refectory) Thursday, December 15 - Virtus Training, 6:30-9:00 p.m. (Upper Room) Saturday, December 17 - Men’s Group, 7:00-8:15 a.m. (Upper Room)
Please pray for our deceased loved ones, especially Marianna Spaa, cousin of Ann Clark, and David Clark, uncle of Ed and Tony Clark. May perpetual light shine upon them.
Banns of Matrimony III – Eric Gleixner and Eileen Vogel The collection for the weekend of December 4th was $19,501.00. Our parish is blessed by your generosity!
Sunday, December 18 - Boy Scouts, 5:00-6:30 p.m. (Refectory) - Youth Group Christmas Caroling, meet in the Upper Room at 6:00 p.m.
The Gospel According to Matthew Study Groups: Monday, 9:00 a.m. (VHM) Tuesday, 7:15 p.m. (VHM) Wednesday, 1:00 p.m. (Coutts’ Home) Thursday, 12:30 p.m. (Upper Room) and 7:15 p.m. (VHM)
VOCATION CRUCIFIX Please prayerfully consider bringing the Vocation Crucifix into your home to pray with your family that we all answer God’s vocation call for us, whether it be to the priesthood, religious, married or single life. Susan Undercoffer received the Vocation Crucifix this weekend.
Our Church Mice could use some additional helpers on Monday mornings after Mass. No special skills are needed, just a desire to give an hour of your time help tidy up our Church. Everything you need is supplied except the elbow grease - you’ll need to bring your own! Thank you.
Movie Night at St. Francis When:
December 12th at 7:05 after the 6:30 evening Mass and during PSR The School’s Visitation of Holy Mary Room. View the 58-minute movie:
Feast Day – December 12th
VIRTUS TRAINING The Diocese of Cleveland mandates that anyone who works with children in any capacity be VIRTUS trained. St. Francis de Sales will offer this class this Thursday evening, December 15th from 6:30-9:00 in the Upper Room. If you plan to volunteer, coach, or work with children in the parish in any capacity, please plan to attend. Beverages and snacks will be provided. It’s necessary that you pre-register at www.virtusonline.org. Fingerprinting is also mandatory and can be completed at Queen of Heaven Parish free of charge. Please call Queen of Heaven Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 4:30 pm (330-896-2345) to set up an appointment to be fingerprinted. To read more about the training, visit: www.dioceseofcleveland.org.
ROSARY FOR OUR LADY Please join us to pray the Rosary together during this Advent and Christmas season on Tuesday evenings immediately after the 6:30 Mass. The Rosary will continue through the Christmas season. If you cannot come every Tuesday, please come the weeks that you can.
The Knights of Columbus are accepting orders for their Nativity Tree outdoor scenes. They are $70 and can be obtained by giving Tony Cookro a call at 330-882-6525. Keep Christ in Christmas and help the Knights of Columbus raise money for K of C Charities!
Where:
Guadalupe: The Miracle and the Message Come enjoy and learn the details of millions returning to the faith. All are welcome including PSR parents.
There are exciting things happening on the primary side of St. Francis de Sales Parish School! The first grade team is so excited to share with you a new practice that is transforming our classrooms! This year we have implemented a Standards-Based method of learning and assessing. Standards-Based instruction and assessment can be described as academic reporting that is based on students demonstrating understanding or mastery of the knowledge and skills they are expected to learn as they progress through their education. In doing so, our students are soaring to new heights! They are provided with endless opportunities for mastery of each standard, and our parents are better informed of their child’s progress with a more detailed report card. We are thrilled with the culture of excellence, encouragement, and positivity this system has provided our students! From our first grade family to yours, have a blessed Advent season!
~ XLT~ A NIGHT of ADORATION and WORSHIP Thursday, December 15, 7:00-9:30 p.m., Borromeo Seminary We will leave St. Francis promptly at 5:45 p.m. and return by approximately 10:30 p.m. Contact Shirley Clark if interested!
Also,
~ CHRISTMAS CAROLING ~ All Youth Group/High School teens invited! Sunday, December 18 Meet in the Upper Room at 6:00 p.m. We will car pool from there and return in time for Compline at 9:00 p.m. Contact Shirley Clark with questions: 330-412-9241/
[email protected]
Nicole Hatfield and Laurie Palmer, First Grade Teachers
HEAVEN STARTS NOW! Fr. John Riccardo’s book, Heaven Starts Now, Becoming a Saint Day by Day, is written in his engaging, personal style as he covers obstacles we deal with on the path to holiness. Topics as: forgiveness, greed, anxiety, suffering are just a few and he gives inspiration and help in growing in loving Christ and loving others as He does. If this books sounds like just what you’re looking for, please join some women of the parish as we read and study this book on our own during Advent and Christmas. We will then meet after the holidays to have some lively discussion and share our insights with one another. Meetings will be Tuesdays, January 10th and 17th from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Visitation of Holy Mary room located just inside the school entrance. Please contact Lori at
[email protected] for further information.
Interfaith Caregivers invites everyone to go Christmas caroling to the homebound on Tuesday, December 13th at 6:00 p.m. We will meet at Queen of Heaven in the parish kitchen in the basement of the Church. Please bring two-dozen cookies or candy or fruit. And don’t forget to dress warm! We will caravan to six homes to sing and spread Christmas cheer. Please contact Sue if you need further details: 330-285-4467.
Check out the new CD’s in the CD rack in the narthex. CD’s are a great way to grow in our faith and to evangelize by giving them as Christmas presents.
The 12th Annual Saint Francis de Sales Feast Day and Silent Auction is right around the corner and it is time to make your reservations! We have some exciting news to share about the auction this year- we are going digital! Both the silent auction and live auction are going to be online. All you will need is your smart phone or favorite internet accessing device. We will also have a number of devices available that evening. You will have more time for fun and socializing - let your device track your bids and provide alerts. Less need to hang out by your favorite item. Once you make your reservations, we will tell you all about it. See you January 21! Tickets are $65 per person if payment is postmarked or dropped off by December 31. The tickets increase to $75 if payment is postmarked after December 31. Reservations must be made online in order to capture the correct information for you to be able to bid. Know the perfect group of friends with whom to attend? Make a table and get a better rate! Tables of 10 are $600 if payment is postmarked or dropped off by December 31 and will be $700 after December 31. Please note that in order to qualify for the table rate, payment must paid in full by cash or by single check payment. Reservations must be made online. Reservations must be made online. Visit: stfparishschool.org/silent-auction. Please make all reservations and payments by January 7. We are unable to accept reservations after this deadline or at the door the night of the event. We look forward to sharing a magical evening celebrating our patron, Saint Francis de Sales and our Parish School! Many Blessings,
Miss Kathryn Buzzelli Miss Kathryn Buzzelli Principal
“Sing with all the Saints in Glory!” St. Lucy – December 13th There is much legend about St. Lucy (Lucia) but one thing is clear - she believed in God! Lucy declared her beliefs and died for these. Under the Christian persecutions of Diocletian, Lucy was tortured; her eyes were gouged and she was killed. This is why she is often seen with her eyes on a plate. She is the patron saint of the blind and those with eye troubles. St. Lucy is venerated by the Roman Catholic Church, the Anglican, Lutheran, and the Orthodox Churches. She is one of eight women, along with the Blessed Virgin Mary, commemorated by name in the Canon of the Mass. Her feast day, known as Saint Lucy’s Day, is celebrated on December 13. Not so long ago, His angels were singing, carrying candlelight, as they brought one faithful Soul to journey to the Lord on the Feast of St. Lucy. This soul was able to see the vision of the angels, like Lucy, whose eyes were miraculously restored for burial. The name Lucy (Latin Lucia) means “light.” As you journey toward sainthood this Advent, move forward toward the “Light of Christ.” Be holy! Be a Saint!
ACME RECEIPTS The annual Acme Community Cash Back Program officially ends December 31, 2016 for this school year. Please remember to submit all of your Acme receipts to the parish or school office by that date. Thank you for your willingness to help our school be refunded 5% of the total sales of Acme Fresh Market brands by collecting as many receipts as you are able.
Food, Fellowship and Faith for Young Adults in Their 20’s and 30’s
Our very own seminarian, David Stavarz, presents
Catholicism and the House of Blues: Finding Beauty in Secular Music Wednesday, December 14, 2016 at 7:00 pm Thirsty Dog Brewery 529 Grant St. Akron OH 44311
Your children will love the new content we have for them on FORMED.org. There are programs, eBooks, movies and talks that will entertain, engage, and inspire them with the beauty and wonder of their faith. Here are a couple of suggestions for Advent: Book: St. Thomas Aquinas Audio: Our Lady of Guadalupe
7 pm social 7:30 David speaks Cash bar/Thirsty Dog Beer $5 admission includes appetizers
Toys will be collected as part of the Gifts of Joy drive that will help bring Christmas to the children of Louisiana, who were victims of the August flood. All are encouraged to wear an ugly Christmas sweater, and make a donation to the toy drive.
Dear Parishioner, Do you know someone who has been away from the Catholic Church? Pray for them and write their name on the line below. Then cultivate your friendship with them. Prayer, friendship and an invitation to Catholics Returning Home could make a huge difference in their life and in bringing a soul home to Christ. _______________________________________ Cut this portion at the dotted line below and keep it as your reminder to pray and extend friendship. Then give the invitation to your friend. Copies of this invitation printed on card stock are available in the Church Narthex. --------------------------------------------------------------------
An Invitation to
No matter how long one has been away or for whatever reason, we invite you to consider renewing your relationship with the Catholic Church. Our faith community misses you and is incomplete without you. Please join us for informal sessions and an update of the Catholic faith. The six-session series will be conducted in a group format: January 5 January 12 January 19 January 26 February 2 February 9
Sharing our Stories Sharing Stories of Faith Pope Francis and the Catholic Church Today All About the Mass Reconciliation, Why Bother? The Creed: What Catholics Really Believe
Come for all or part of the Thursday evening series. Explore the way home! You will find an open door and a warm welcome! Catholics Returning Home Thursdays 7:15 – 8:45 pm January 5 – February 9, 2017 St. Francis de Sales Parish, Upper Room 4009 Manchester Road, Akron 44319
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY The PSM for our cluster parishes will meet this Tuesday, December 13th at 10:00 a.m. at Nativity of the Lord Jesus Church. Please remember to bring your completed shawls for blessing, your current shawl to work on, and any left over yarn you may have to share with others as we celebrate God’s love and blessings. Come, join us as we gather to pray, crochet, and knit prayer shawls. New members are always welcome. Further details may be obtained by calling Ginny at 330-644-4132 or Barb at 330-699-4769. DIVORCED SEPARATED AND WIDOWED CATHOLICS OF AKRON The DSW Catholics of Akron will be holding their annual Christmas Party that will include musical entertainment provided by singer Bonnie Baughman. This event will be held on Monday, December 12th starting at 6:00 p.m. at the Blair House Community Room located at 255 N. Portage Path in Akron. The group will provide the main courses of turkey and ham. They ask that everyone bring a side dish or dessert to share. Contact Sharon at 330-612-3635 for further details. OUR LADY OF THE ELMS Our Lady of the Elms, Akron’s premier all-girls school, is hosting a Chick Flick Movie Night on Saturday, December 17th at 7:00 p.m. Girls in grades 6-8 are invited to bring a friend and join them in their theater at 1375 W. Exchange St. in Akron. They will be showing Home Alone. Refreshments and door prizes will be offered. Registration is recommended at http://www.theelms.org/chick-flick/. More information is available by contacting Melanie at 330-867-0918 or
[email protected]. EVENING OF PRAYER THROUGH SONG Mark your calendar now to enjoy a special presentation featuring David Parkes, an international recording artist from Dublin, Ireland. !Monday, January 16, 2017, St. Joseph Parish, Strongsville, Ohio - 7:00 p.m. !Tuesday, January 17, 2017, Queen of Heaven Parish, Uniontown, Ohio – 6:30 p.m. !Friday, January 20, 2017 – Holy Family Parish, Stow, Ohio – 7:15 p.m. All events are free (with a free will offering accepted.) Meet David and purchase his CDs at a reception after each event. For further information, contact Betty Schnitzler at
[email protected] or 330-958-3903.
GET YOUR SHOPPING DONE AT ST. FRANCIS!!! Stop by the Rectory or school during office hours to purchase gift cards for the following: Acme Aeropostale Amazon Applebee's Arby's Babies R Us Banana Republic Barnes & Noble
Bath & Body Works Bed Bath & Beyond
Best Buy Bob Evans Bonefish Grill Bravo Buehler’s Burger King Carrabba Grill Chili's Bar & Grill Chipotle Cinemark Circle K Claire's
Cracker Barrel CVS Dick's Sporting Goods Dillards Dunkin Donuts Fleming's Game Stop Gander Mountain The Gap GFS Giant Eagle
Handel’s Ice Cream Home Depot HomeGoods Honeymoon Grille iTunes JCPenney Jo-Ann Fabrics Kohl's Longhorn Steakhouse Lowe's Macaroni Grill
Macy's Marathon Marshall’s Menches Brothers Michael's Old Navy Olive Garden Outback Steakhouse Panera Pat Catan's PF Chang's Pier 1 Imports
Pizza Hut Red Robin Red Lobster Regal Cinema Ross Dress for Less Sam's Club Sears Sheetz Spaghetti Warehouse Speedway Starbucks Steak 'n’ Shake
Subway Sunoco Taco Bell Target TGIFridays Tinseltown Theaters TJ Maxx Toys R Us Walgreen's Walmart Wendy's Whole Foods
