Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord December 24 & 25, 2016 Blessed Trinity Catholic Church 958 E. Tuscola St., Frankenmuth, MI 48734 Telephone: 989-652-3259 Web: www.blessedtrinityfrankenmuth.org Email: [email protected] Pastoral Team

Parish Mission Statement

Pastor Rev. Robert H. Byrne

We, the members of Blessed Trinity Parish, share a common bond of love given to us through the Mystery of the Blessed Trinity.

Pastoral Minister Karen Smith Director of Faith Formation Carol Fox Director of Youth Ministry Kathryn Cramer Director of Music & Liturgy Alissa Hetzner Music Assistant Steven Holovach Parish Secretary Lori Snyder Parish Bookkeeper Carol Maurer Director of Maintenance Frederick Fitch Maintenance Assistant Philip Schmelzer Commissioned Lay Ministers Michael Snyder Veronica Horn Virginia Little Joe Ricard Katherine Haney

As the loving Father does, we welcome and support everyone who enters our faith community. As His Son exemplifies, we humbly strive to be a learning, giving, caring, and teaching parish eager to serve, evangelize, and give generously of ourselves to others. As the Holy Spirit inspires and leads us, we are a faithful, prayer family that worships God through the many gifts and ministries with which the Lord has blessed us.

Somehow not only for Christmas but all the long year through, the joy that you give to others is the joy that comes back to you. (John Greenleaf Whittier)

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church

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Worship in Our Parish Liturgical Calendar Monday, December 26 Feast of St. Stephen Tuesday, December 27 Feast of St. John Wednesday, December 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents 8:30 a.m. Mass Thursday, December 29 8:30 a.m. Mass 9:00 a.m. Rosary Friday, December 30 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary, and Joseph Saturday, December 31 Memorial of St. Sylvester I 5:00 p.m. Mass Sunday, January 1 Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God 9:00 a.m. Mass 11:00 a.m. Mass

Frankenmuth MI

General Information Sacrament of Reconciliation Saturday at 4:00 - 4:30 p.m. A special schedule of opportunities is available during Advent and Lent, or by appointment.

Sacrament of Baptism Baptisms are celebrated regularly, except during Lent. Call the parish office for pre-Baptism class information.

To Become a Catholic Adults interested in learning about the Catholic faith are invited to call the parish office for more information.

Sacrament of Marriage Please contact the pastor before setting a wedding date. Six months are required for preparation.

Anointing of the Sick Scripture Readings for December 31, 2016 and January 1, 2017 Numbers 6:22-27

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:16-21

Parish Event Schedule Monday, December 26 Parish Offices Closed Today Friday, December 30 Parish Offices Close at 12:00 noon

A communal celebration is celebrated in October. Individual anointing is available whenever requested.

Ministry to the Sick and Elderly When entering a hospital, please register as a member of Blessed Trinity Parish. When confined at home, please contact our parish office.

New Parishioners We welcome you to Blessed Trinity. If you wish to join our community, please contact the parish office for an appointment to register.

Bulletin Submission Deadline Text and pictures for the bulletin should be emailed by 12:00 noon on Monday each week to: [email protected].

Need Prayers? Call the Parish Prayer Network with your prayer needs and concerns: Joan Hindelang at 652-2044 or Nanci Lyon at 652-6532. You can also submit prayer requests on our parish website. When you visit Blessed Trinity during the week or when you come to Mass on the weekend, be sure to write your prayer intentions in the Book of Life in the back of church.

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December 25, 2016

Notes From Our Pastor I join with all of the staff at Blessed Trinity in wishing you a blessed and peace-filled Christmas. People have been asking me if I will be able to celebrate Christmas with my family. I know what they are asking so I respond by saying that I will be going out to the “Byrne Farm” on Christmas afternoon to be with my sister and brothers and other family members. However, for a pastor, celebrating Mass and sharing Christmas greetings with parish members and friends is also celebrating Christmas with “family.” There is a special bond between a pastor and the parish community he serves that might be taken for granted in the course of the year. At Christmas this relationship becomes very personal for both pastor and people. I receive more hugs and kisses after the Christmas Masses than in the rest of the year combined! Parishioners send beautiful cards and drop off generous gifts in the Christmas season. Many parish members take a moment at this time of the year to look me in the eye and speak kind words of blessing and gratitude. On my part, I wish I could spend a few minutes to share my prayers and best wishes with every parishioner but there never seems to be enough time to do so. I hope that the way that we pray and sing together during the Christmas Masses expresses and renews our bonds as a parish family. So I am grateful to God for being able to celebrate Christmas with both of my families again this year. May God bless our Blessed Trinity family and all of our families in this Christmas season and always. Note: since Christmas Day falls on a Sunday this year, the Feast of the Holy Family is celebrated on Friday, December 30, instead of on the Sunday after Christmas. However, the Holy Family is certainly recognized and celebrated both on Christmas and on the Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1).

Fr. Bob Byrne

We Are Stewards Online Giving ~ December 4 - 10, 2016 Sunday Offering .................................................................................. $3,212.00 Parish Development Fund ........................................................................ 70.00 Retirement Fund for Religious ............................................................. 1,050.00 Capital Campaign Payments ................................................................ 628.00 Total ........................................................................................................ $4,960.00

Weekend ~ December 17 & 18, 2016 Adult Envelopes (195 envelopes) .................................................. $12,356.00 Weekend Loose ........................................................................................ 837.00 Children’s Envelopes (5 envelopes) .......................................................... 7.05 Parish Development Fund (1 envelope) ................................................ 20.00 Retirement Fund for Religious (5 envelopes) ....................................... 230.00 Holy Day (2 envelopes).............................................................................. 30.00 Total ...................................................................................................... $13,480.05 Stewardship comments from children’s contribution envelopes: Sydney’s time ~ helping mom & dad; Wade’s talent ~ playing in the snow; Wyatt’s talent ~ make cookies for neighbors; Nikole’s time ~ make cookies.

Financial Stewardship Any contributions to the parish received by December 31, 2016 will be recorded in 2016. Any contribution received after that date will be recorded in 2017. Thank you for your generosity!

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church

Our parish Bible Study ladies enjoyed a Christmas luncheon last week at Zehnder’s Restaurant.

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Frankenmuth MI

The Parish Men’s Club gathered last Wednesday for a meeting and Christmas Party.

Light a candle in the darkness through the days of waring madness. Light a candle; keep it burning. Shine a path for peace returning.

The parish Merry Widows gathered for a Christmas luncheon last week at Davinci’s Restaurant.

The Gift of “Look, Listen, and Love” Karen Smith ~ Pastoral Minister Christmas can be a good time to ask ourselves: How can I draw closer to Christ, to be more like Jesus and to share that joy with others? Amy Wellborn, author of Praying With the Pivotal Players suggests that we follow the example of St. Francis of Assisi. “It seems it can be difficult at times (to draw closer to Christ), because life is complicated. St. Francis of Assisi shows us that it’s not really. It’s as simple as setting aside our own desires each day in great ways, and more importantly in small, and just be led amongst our brothers and sisters, and, like Jesus, listen, look and love whoever is right here in front of me. Now.” (Amy Wellborn) May we use this Christmas season of joy to listen, look and love all those that we encounter. Merry Christmas!

Light a candle, warm with caring for the fearful and despairing. Light a candle, so revealing ardent prayers for hope and healing. Oh, light a path to lasting peace here where the greatest and the least can light a candle and keep it glowing. See, the reign of God is growing. Light a path to ev’ry nation; it’s time for reconciliation. Come light a candle, light the way to peace.

Our sponsor of the week is:

Colin Maurer ~ Edward Jones ~ To view this ad, see the back of the bulletin. Please patronize our sponsors. They make the bulletin possible.

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Faith Formation News May all of our parish families have a blessed Christmas and a joyous New Year! St. Nicholas visited with our grades 1, 2, 3 and 4 classes this past week. See the pictures at right of their gatherings. Important coming dates:          

January 4 ~ classes resume for grades 5 & 6 January 5 ~ classes resume for grades 1 & 2 January 7 ~ required dress rehearsal for Epiphany “Gloria Angels” at 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. January 7 ~ required dress rehearsal for Epiphany “Gospel Actors and Choir” at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 noon January 8 ~ angels, choir and actors report at 10:00 a.m. in preparation for Epiphany Children’s Mass at 11:00 a.m. January 10, 11 & 12 ~ classes resume normal schedule January 13 & 14 ~ Catechesis of the Good Shepherd resumes at 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. on Friday and 10:00 a.m. 12:00 noon on Saturday January 15 ~ required Parent/Child Confirmation Preparation Session I with Fr. Bob and Mrs. Fox at 3:00 - 4:30 p.m. January 19 or 20 ~ required Parent only Confirmation Preparation Session II at 7:00 p.m. on Thursday or 11:00 a.m. on Friday January 26 ~ no classes for grades 1 & 2 due to half day at List Elementary Carol Fox ~ Director of Faith Formation [email protected]

Youth Ministry News Merry Christmas! I hope all of our BT families enjoy time surrounded by their loved ones! Welcome home to our collegeaged youth! We hope to see you here during your break! On December 14, parishioner Sara Aldrich received a Youth Volunteer Award from the Frankenmuth Morning Rotary Club. Sara is all about serving her parish family and the Frankenmuth community. She doesn’t keep track of hours….she just does what she knows is right! Her faith calls her to serve and SERVE she does! Thanks, Sara, for being an outstanding youth and role model! Reminder to all in grades 7-12 - if you plan to take part in the MLK Service Day on January 14, please let me know ASAP! 2017 graduates should receive important info in the mail soon. Kathy Cramer ~ Director of Youth Ministry [email protected]

December 25, 2016

Blessed Trinity Catholic Church

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Frankenmuth MI

Pastoral Council Meeting Minutes ~ December 7, 2016 Present: Fr. Bob Byrne, Karen Smith, Lori Snyder, Paul Wojno, Julianne Most, Jim Haney, Brandon Maurer, Judy Gorney, Joni Thompson, Dan Martuch, Ann Fitch and Dave Ritter. Absent: Scott Smock, Mike Doherty and Fran Hetzner. Welcome, Call to Order, Prayer ~ Vice-chairperson Paul Wojno called the meeting to order at 7:03 p.m. Ann Fitch led the group in prayer. The Parish Mission Statement was read by all. Pastoral Council Minutes Approval ~ The October 19, 2016 Pastoral Council Minutes were approved as written (motion to approve by Dan Martuch; seconded by Jim Haney). Commission Minutes Discussion ~ Fr. Bob commented that the November 6, 2016 Liturgy Commission Minutes incorrectly state that the Reflections Dance Ministry was to disband. This ministry is functioning under the direction of Julianne Most. Pastor’s Comments ~ Fr. Bob noted that the Faith Formation Commission is being restructured. Council members Scott Smock, Ann Fitch and Brandon Maurer serve on this commission. Fr. Bob noted that we have a good formation staff in place at Blessed Trinity and programs are running well for children, youth and adults. The “new” commission will study how to further engage parishioners in education programs and event offerings. Fr. Bob presented the October Count report which was recently released from the Diocese of Saginaw. Each person who attends weekend Masses in each of the 56 diocesan churches during the month of October each year is counted and results are tabulated. In 2011, our diocese reported a 40,502 October average; the same count was 30,422 in 2016. Blessed Trinity’s average weekend count in 2015 was 700 and is 678 in 2016. Fr. Bob noted that with the many visitors at Blessed Trinity on the weekends, it is difficult to gauge how many are parishioners. Reasons for the lower numbers may include: some demographic/population loss (City of Frankenmuth and State of Michigan), younger generation not attending church, liturgical changes within the church (changes in translation), smaller families with fewer children, more activities for people to be involved in (we’re competing for time from children and adults), people are trying other churches; aging population, and folks moved south for jobs in the past few years and have not moved back to area. Fr. Bob noted that the liturgy, music and atmosphere/space at Blessed Trinity is done well and may not be the case in other parishes. Paul Wojno noted that school populations have dropped in area schools. 50th Anniversary Planning Update ~ Dan Martuch updated council members on plans for our 50th Anniversary celebrations. A “save-the-date” postcard will be sent to all parishioners with information on coming events. To focus on our parish history, a celebration Mass will take place on Sunday, April 23, 2017 at 11:00 a.m. Light refreshments will be served by council members after Mass. To focus on our parish thanksgiving, a celebration picnic will take place on Sunday, August 13, 2017. Bishop Cistone will be present with us that day to celebrate the 11:00 a.m. Mass and take part in activities to follow. The August Mass and picnic celebration will take place in an outdoor tent. Local dignitaries, former pastors, founding family members and others will be invited. The food will be catered; entertainment for youth (games) and adults (music) will be available. It will be a casual atmosphere with a focus on families. The newly remodeled social hall and classroom spaces will be unveiled at this event. Fr. Bob noted that we will celebrate this anniversary milestone during all of 2017. Banners and feather flags are being ordered to place in the building and on the property to announce that something special is happening. Joan Ramm, Val Walderzak and Pam Daily are working on an update to our parish history book. The year’s events will be advertised in the Frankenmuth News. The 50th Anniversary Planning Committee will meet again in January, 2017. Capital Campaign Update ~ Fr. Bob reported that as of December 7, 2016, $412,205.00 in pledges and $236,113.00 in cash from 197 households have been received at the parish. 120 of those households have paid their pledge in cash; 77 families have chosen to make monthly, quarterly, annual or e-tithe payments. A reminder letter to the families we have not heard from will be mailed on December 8, 2016. We have enough cash to move on with the project and will borrow the remainder to pay as a mortgage. The project has Bishop Cistone’s approval. At this time, Jeff Ferweda’s architectural firm is developing detailed plans and will seek bids during the month of January, 2017. Remodeling should begin in February, 2017. The social hall will be worked on first; the classroom wing will be the next priority. The entire project should be completed by the end of July, 2017. Welcome Breakfast ~ Jim Haney reported that there was not the expected turnout of new families for the November 13, 2016 Welcome Breakfast. However, those who attended enjoyed a great breakfast and conversation with Pastoral Council members. Suggestions for future welcomes include: holding this event more often (2 or 3 times each year), holding the event at an off-site restaurant, and holding coffee gatherings after the weekend Masses to welcome new folks. Fr. Bob noted that many new parishioners have been attending Blessed Trinity for a while but just joined; very few have moved into the area. Pretzel Welcome Effort ~ Council members noted that many visitors stop by to receive parish information and a bag of pretzels as a welcome from Blessed Trinity. Ann Fitch asked for Mass preferences to be scheduled as the welcome representative and also asked that when serving, you let Fr. Bob know that you are present. If you see that no one is available to serve, please consider stepping in. There will no one scheduled for the Christmas weekend. A suggestion was made to move the table to the middle of the gathering area to be more accessible, or maybe a new table made with rollers. Next Meeting ~ Pastoral Council will meet on Wednesday, February 15, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. Judy Gorney will lead the opening prayer at this meeting; Dan Martuch will lead the closing prayer. Prayer, Adjourn ~ Fr. Bob led the group in The Lord’s Prayer. The meeting was adjourned at 8:12 p.m. Respectfully submitted by Lori A. Snyder, Parish Secretary

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December 25, 2016

Thank You, Blessed Trinity Thank you for letting us use a classroom at Blessed Trinity Catholic Church on Thursday evenings for our meetings. Because of your kindness, we have been able to help so many people. May God bless your New Year! (Frankenmuth A.A. Group) Thank you so much for supporting our families during the Christmas season. I truly believe that school and community are better together, and I thank you for your support. (Jill Waliczek ~ List Elementary School)

Thank you for your $250.00 gift to Hands Together. With your help we are facing the ongoing challenges of working in Haiti and we can continue our simple approach to helping the poor. We appreciate your help as we continue doing God’s work.

What a blessing Christmas is! What it does for friendship! Why if there were no Christmas, we’d have to invent one, for it is the one season of the year when we can lay aside all gnawing worry, indulge in sentiment without censure, assume the carefree faith of childhood, and just plain “have fun.”

(Doug Campbell, Executive Director ~ Hands Together)

D. D. Monroe

Thank you so much for awarding the CAN Council Great Lakes Bay Region with a grant of $4,000.00 for our Incredible Years Parenting Program. Your effort to support our organization is not only greatly appreciated by our staff, but especially by the children and families we serve throughout Saginaw and Bay Counties. Thank you for your continued support of this critical program! (Suzanne Greenberg, President/CEO ~ CAN Council)