1919 North 2nd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501-1735email: info@corpuschristibismarck.comwebsite: www.corpuschristibismarck.comfacebook: www.facebook.com/CorpusBismarck

Parish Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Parish Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-3104Parish Fax. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4616

WEEKLY LITURGY SCHEDULESaturday (Vigil of Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4:00 p.m.Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8:30 & 10:45 a.m. and 6:30 p.m.Spanish Mass (3rd Sunday) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1:00 p.m.Monday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12:10 p.m.Tuesday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12:10 & 5:30 p.m.Wednesday-Friday . . . . . . . . . . . . 7:00 a.m. & 12:10 p.m.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATIONTuesdays (12:45-3:15 p.m.); Thursdays (7:00 p.m.)

Rev. Paul D. Becker, Pastor . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 203)Rev. Raphael Obotama, Parochial Vicar 255-4600 (ext. 211)Rev. Terry Wipf, Parochial Vicar . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 218) Tracy Kraft, Parish Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 212)

PASTORAL MINISTERS Cindy Anderst, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 205)Jennifer Braun, Music Ministry . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 209)Mariah Conner, Faith Formation . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 219)Mary Janusz, Pastoral Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 220)Sr. Ivo Schoch, Outreach Ministry . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 208)Rachel Krueger, Youth Coordinator . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 210)

DEACONS: Michael Fix, Lonnie Grabowska, Rex McDowall

PARISH SUPPORT STAFFLoretta Arntz, Bookkeeper . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600 (ext. 201) Jane Bosch, Kitchen Manager. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Viola Bullert, Janitress . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Niel Heinze, Maintenance Technician . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600Bridget Johnson, Administrative Secretary . . . . . . 255-4600Colleen Reinhardt, Receptionist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 255-4600

MISSION STATEMENTAs disciples of Jesus, we live our faith through Word, Sacrament, and Service.

CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI

PARISH BULLETIN DEADLINE: Articles must be received by noon on Wednesdays (typed format).

PRAYER TREE: 255-4600

November 26, 2017SACRAMENTS

Reconciliation - Saturdays at 3:00 p.m., Weekdays: 15 minutes prior to Mass or please call the pastor at 255-4600 for an appointment. If you are homebound and unable to come to the Church and need a priest to come to your home for confession, please call 255-4600 to set this up.

Baptism - The Baptism Preparation Program and Baptism Schedule are by arrangement. Please call the parish office at 255-4600 to register prior to your delivery date and the program director will return your call. Parents must be registered at Corpus Christi or have permission from their parish.

Marriage - Couples planning to be married should call the parish office at 255-4600 at least 9 months in advance. Completion of required paperwork and taking the FOCCUS premarital inventory is also needed this early. November FOCCUS will be on Thursday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m.

Natural Family Planning Classes are offered by the Bismarck Diocese. The methods offered are Billings Ovulation Method, Creighton Model Fertility Care System, Marquette Model and Sympto-Thermal Methods. If you have questions about NFP please contact the Diocese of Bismarck at 222-3035 or www.bismarckdiocese.com/nfp. Persons wishing to learn more about the Catholic faith may call Tracy Kraft at 255-4600.

OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSE NOVEMBER 26, 2017

CONTRIBUTIONS (GENERAL FUND) - (2,277 households)Adult Envelopes (375) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,032.35Spanish Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 243.00Youth Envelopes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 251.00TOTAL RECEIVED (November 18) . . . . . . . . . $16,526.35 1st Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25,898 .16 Electronic Contributions (147) . . . . . . . . . $14,304 .81

2nd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,216 .33 3rd Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $16,526 .35 Electronic Contributions (98) . . . . . . . . . . . $ 9,239 .68 Spanish Mass . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 243 .00 4th Sunday . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $ 0

We appreciate your generosity which is part of being faithful stewards of Corpus Christi.

Weekly Mass Intentions

Monday, Nov. 27- Julia Steinback (12:10 p .m .)Tuesday, Nov. 28- VRev . George Dukart (12:10 p .m .)

VTheodore Zander (5:30 p .m .)Wednesday, Nov. 29- VDelores Barta (7:00 a .m .)

VLeona Werlinger (12:10 p .m .)Thursday, Nov. 30- VRose Gabriel (7:00 a .m .)

VBrian McKay (12:10 p .m .)Friday, Dec. 1- VAl Feist (7:00 a .m .)

VAl Feist (12:10 p .m .) Saturday, Dec. 2- Mass for Corpus Christi Benefactors

(4:00 p .m .)Sunday, Dec. 3- VDorothy Wold (8:30 a .m .)

VLoren Schaner (10:45 a .m .)

Marriage Moments: Ways to Turn Your Beloved Off #5 - Let bargain hunting rob you of time - time to serve those who don’t have the money even for a bargain. Let Matthew 25 ring in your ears: “I was hungry, thirsty, a stranger, naked, ill, in prison...” Spend some time and money resonding to this sales pitch from Christ the King as Christmas approaches.Parenting Pointers: Thanksgiving is over. Let the shopping begin! Or must it? The Friday after Thanksgiving is often called Black Friday - the day stores start to make a profit. Buying gifts isn’t inherently bad, but giving an experience is often more memorable. Why not stay home and play a game. (Susan Vogt....www.SusanVogt.net)

Your stepping stones back into

life.... Lotus (Looking Onward To

Understanding and Serenity) is a group for men, women and young adults who have experienced a death. This group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesdays of every month September through May at 10:00 a.m. for men, 1:00 p.m. for women, and 7:00 p.m. for men and women. Grief shared is grief diminished. LOTUS will meet on Tuesday, November 28st at Parkway Funeral Service, 2330 Tyler Parkway. The topic will be: “Dealing with guilt and regrets”.

EUCHARISTIC ADORATION. Tuesdays 12:45-3:15 p.m. (private, quiet time, incense free) with the chaplet of Divine Mercy at 3:00 p.m. All are welcome to spend time in Jesus’ awesome Eucharistic presence. Eucharistic Adoration (Benediction, rosary and the Chaplet of Divine Mercy) is also available Thursdays with Father Terry from 7:00-8:00 p.m.

FROM THE PASTOR’S DESK:As we begin this Advent Season, we are pleased to let you know that we have added a second private confessional at Corpus Christi. The new confessional is located right next to the current one and the line for confessions will be the same line currently in use, near the Stations of the Cross. When two Priests are available for confessions, you will have your choice of which confessional you desire to use. The name of the Priest hearing confessions will be posted on each confessional and you will be able to notice when both confessionals will be used, by the

light in the confesssional being on and the door open. We will have both confessionals open the next two weekends, so that you may view them, outside of their use.

Beginning December 6th at 11:45 a.m., before the 12:10 p.m. Mass, and December 9th before the 4:00 p.m. Mass, from 3:00-3:30 p.m., two Priests will hear confessions. We will continue to have 2 Priests hearing confessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays. We hope this will provide ample opportunity and encourage you to receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation.

CHURCH OF CORPUS CHRISTI BISMARCK, NDWhat’s Going on Here This Week

Tues. 11/28 Quilting, 9:00 a.m., Community Room Eucharistic Adoration, 12:45-3:15 p.m., Chapel Christmas Cantata Rehearsal, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Choir Room, Church Wed. 11/29 Faith Formation (A), 3:30-5:00 p.m. Children’s Choir, 4:30 p.m., Choir Room Faith Formation (A), 5:30-7:00 p.m. Confirmation (3), 6:30-7:30 p.m., Conference Room Pre-Confirmation (1), 7:00-8:15 p.m., Community Room Middle School Youth Ministry, 7:00-8:30 p.m., Room 140 Confirmation (4), 7:30-8:30 p.m., Conference Room Thurs. 11/31 Toastmasters, 6:30 a.m., Community Room Bell Choir Practice, 5:15 p.m., Choir Room Children’s Cantata Rehearsal, 5:45-6:30 p.m., Choir Room, Church Christmas Cantata Rehearsal, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Choir Room, Church

Fri. 12/1 Christmas Quilt Show, 5:00-9:15 p.m., Lower Gathering Space Christmas Cantata, 7:00 p.m., Church

Sat. 12/2 Christmas Quilt Show, 5:00-9:15 p.m., Lower Gathering Space Christmas Cantata 7:00 p.m., Church Hispanic Prayer Group, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Hospitality Room South, Room 140 Sun. 12/3 Faith Formation, 8:30 a.m. Faith Formation, 9:40 a.m. Children’s Liturgy, 10:45 a.m., Community Room

PLEASE CHECK OUT YOUR WEBSITE www.

corpuschristibismarck.com

You can listen to the homilies under the “Homily Podcast” tab.

Children’s Christmas Eve

ProgramCalling all children Pre-school through 5th grade who would like

to participate in the Christmas Eve program. This program takes place before our 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service. Practices will be held on Monday afternoons from 3:30-5:00 p.m. in the Community Room starting after Thanksgiving. (November 27, December 4, 11, 18)

Snacks will be provided. No registration required.

For more information call Mariah Conner at 255-4600.

Vocation Views: Tending to the needs of others is a gift of service to God as well as those in need. Imagine that you choose to serve God as a deacon, priest, brother, or sister. What do you think/feel about this choice? (Matthew 25:31-46)

Stewardship Thoughts: Stewardship opens an avenue of thought that allows us to give without always questioning what we will get in return.

Volunteers are needed twice a month to help aid in our Faith Formation Classrooms from 3:30-5:00 p.m. For more information, contact Mariah Conner at 701-255-4600.

Feast of Immaculate ConceptionThursday, December 7th - 5:30 p.m. (vigil)

Friday, December 8th - 7:00 a.m. &12:10 p.m.This is a Holy Day of Obligation.

Sign up sheets available in Usher’s Room.

Advent Resources:Word Among Us:

Daily Readings and Meditations

Little Blue Books:Daily Meditations for Advent (Suggested Donation $1.00)

Preparing for His Coming:Daily Prayer Booklet for Advent

Advent Activity Calendar:Daily Activities for Children

FEAST OF OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE

Tuesday, December 12 5:30 p.m. Mass

Meal to follow in Parish Hall

RSVP Parish OfficeAuthentic Mexican food will be served

such as pozole, tamales, rice, beans, bunelos and ponche Navideno.

Welcome! Thank you for choosing to worship with us today and we hope you will return often. If you do not belong to a parish, please consider choosing Corpus Christi as your church home. You may call the parish office at 255-4600 to register.

Can you help? The blank spaces mean we need more help in that ministry.Please come to the ushers room and sign in on the schedule to help. Thank You.

The Holy Father Speaks... In the poor, Jesus knocks on the doors of our heart, thirsting for our love. When we overcome our indifference and, in the name of Jesus, we give of ourselves for the least of his brethren, we are his good and faithful friends, with whom he loves to dwell. As we remind the faithful that it is precisely in the poor that we find the presence of Jesus, who, though rich, became poor (cf. 2 Cor 8:9), and therefore in each and every poor person, there is a “saving power” present. If in the eyes of the world they have little value, they are the ones who open to us the way to heaven. For us, it is an evangelical duty to care for them, as our real riches, and to do so not only by giving them bread, but also by breaking with them the bread of God’s word, which is addressed first to them. To love the poor, means to combat all forms of poverty, spiritual and material: and it will also do us good. Drawing near to the poor in our midst will touch our lives. It will remind us of what really counts: to love God and our neighbor. Only this lasts forever, everything else passes away.

November 20, 2017 is Universal Children’s Day. On many occasions and in numerous different countries, my eyes meet those of children, poor and rich, healthy and sick, joyful and suffering. What are we doing so that these children can look at us smiling and keep a look full of trust and hope? What are we doing so that this light is not robbed from them so that their eyes are not troubled and corrupted by what they find on the network, which will be an integral part of their framework of life? Let us work together to always have the right, the courage, and the joy to look into the eyes of the children of the world.

Date: Dec 2-3 December 2, 2017 December 3, 2017 December 3, 2017 December 3, 20174:00 PM 8:30 AM 10:45 AM 6:30 PM

Hospitality 1 1 Linda Heil 1 Kathy Howe 1 Amy Hornbacher2 2 Brian Steffl 2 Beverly Larson 2 Lauren Hornbacher3 3 Heather Steffl 3 Rita Mastel 3 4 4 Catherine Williams 4 4 5 5 Francis Williams 5 5 6 6 6

Ushers 1 1 Kenneth Heil* 1 Anthony Silvernagel Jr.* 1 Gene Rivinius*2 2 Mike Hilbert 2 Yvonne Richter 2 Bev Rivinius3 3 3 Dan Sauter 34 4 4 Lonnie Zahn 45 5 5 56 6 6

Lectors 1 Lisa Frank 1 Norita Kress 1 Steve Braus 1 Todd Van Orman2 Imelda Long 2 John Saiki 2 Christopher Knudson 2 Emma Konieczka

Servers 1 Meghan Friese 1 Jayden Keller 1 Hannah Dorrheim 1 Eliza Konieczka2 2 Jessica Keller 2 Emmy Miller 2 Edriana Konieczka

3 Nathan Kraft

Eucharistic Min BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST BODY OF CHRIST1-R Terry Fugere 1-R Dean Anagnost R-1 Pamela Vetter R-1 Jim Luptak2 Mary Ann Metcalf 2 Donna Schauer 2 Phyllis Lentz 23 Larry Thelen 3 Gerry Teevens 3 Shirley Bachmeier 34 Phyllis Lentz 4 Mike Teevens 4 Nancy Christensen 45 Derek Theurer 5 Vern Welder 5 Carolyn Heintz 56 6 Joyce Welder 6 Jeff Heintz 67 7 7 Kathy Howe 7 Father Raphael8 8 8 Rose Hollan 89 Father Paul 9 Father Raphael 9 Father Paul

10 10 10 Doretta Bornemann11 11 12 12

LG LG LG LG

BLOOD OF CHRIST BLOOD OF CHRIST BLOOD OF CHRIST BLOOD OF CHRIST1 Carol Thompson 1 Shawn Anagnost 1 Elizabeth Schatz 1 Doug Kostuck2 Clyde Thompson 2 Brenda Bergan 2 Cathy Schatz 23 Elaine Thompson 3 Debbie Best 3 Janet Spooner 3 4 Jerome Volk 4 Lynn Best 4 Celinda Wetzel 45 5 Irene Goetz 5 Jo Kralicek 56 6 6 Kyle Schatz 67 Deacon 7 Deacon 7 Deacon 7 Deacon8 8 8 89 9 9

10 10 1011 1112 12

THANKSGIVING FOOD DRIVE

We are still accepting donations for our annual Thanksgiving food pantry appeal through Sunday evening, November 26. The following items are especially needed this year: canned fruit, cereal, pancake mix, syrup, peanut butter, jello, puddings, pasta sauce, instant potatoes and rice. Also needed are hand soap, dish soap, shampoo, laundry soap and paper products such as toilet paper, tissue, paper towels, etc. You can bring your contributions any time and drop them off at the table located in the center of the church. Thank you for helping needy families in our community.

OUR MOTHER WHO ART IN HEAVENBy Raphael Obotama

There have been many books written about the Blessed Virgin Mary, most with the aim of setting the record straight. While all Christians recognize Mary as the mother of Christ, many do not recognize her role in our salvation history and accuse those who honor her of “worshipping” Mary. This book is a reflection on her activities, as described in the Bible, and her messages during her apparitions on earth. It invites the reader to reflect more on Mary’s role, as it is presented in scripture.

Raphael Obotama is a priest of the Catholic Diocese of Ikot Elpene in Nigeria. He currently serves the Church of Corpus Christi in the Bismarck Diocese. He is the author of two other books - The Beloved of the Creator and But Who Do You Say That I Am?

This book is available for sale in the Parish Office for $14.

PLEASE STOP BY THE ENTRANCES OF THE CHURCH TO PICK UP YOUR 2018 CALENDAR!

AFTERNOON AT THE MOVIES “The Story of the Nativity”

December 7, 2017, 1:00-2:30 p.m.

Join us for popcorn and a movie, and to learn more about the story of the nativity.

The movie will be held in the Community Room. All are welcome. For additional information, contact Cindy Anderst in the parish office at 701-255-4600.

Putting faith into action. The story of the Last Judgment as told in Matthew’s gospel is familiar to anyone who has been exposed to the New Testament. We have heard many times of the sheep and the goats. We

know, at least somewhere in the back of our minds, that Jesus identifies with the hungry and the thirsty, with the stranger, the prisoner and the naked. It is no news to us that he calls them his sisters and his brothers. We can probably even quote scriptures that tell us to care for the sick and needy. The problem is: what are we doing with that knowledge? If we know what’s right, and do nothing, it’s the same as not knowing at all. Today’s reading calls us to action, not contemplation. Are you making a difference in the lives of those around you? Are you helping the poor and hungry in your community with your time and money? Stop. Don’t offer an excuse. We’re all busy, we all have obligations. Jesus still calls us to help the needy, now, no excuses accepted. Where do you stand today, with the sheep or the goats? Maybe you’re trying to straddle the fence, seeing how little you can do and still qualify for a place among the sheep. Consider today’s reading a warning. It’s time for us all to put our faith into action.

Sunday, Nov 26, 2017SOLEMNITY OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST, KING OF THE UNIVERSEGet your passport stampedThe man we call the “good thief” turned his life around in thefinal hour when he encountered Jesus on the cross at Golgotha.One good act of repentance was all it took for him to enter theKingdom. The passport to the reign of God is still the same.Repentance involves a change of heart followed by a change indirection. What needs to change in your habits, relationships,attitudes? Take that step and claim your citizenship in a Kingdomnot of this world.

TODAY'S READINGS: Ezekiel 34:11-12, 15-17; 1 Corinthians 15:20-26,28; Matthew 25:31-46 (160). “For I was hungry and you gave mefood, I was thirsty and you gave me drink.”

Monday, Nov 27, 2017Move beyond pityWidows in ancient times were to be pitied and granted favors, butof course, those filled with the Spirit had a tendency to turnperceptions upside down. So we find widows in the Bible whoare models of faithfulness (1 Kings 17), insight (Luke 2),righteousness (Luke 18), and generosity (Luke 21). Whom doyou pigeonhole as pitiable? Homeless people? Theundocumented? People with mental and physical disabilities? Nodoubt the people you feel sorry for can benefit from your concernand care, but they might surprise you with gifts of their own thatwill enrich you.

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 1:1-6, 8-20; Luke 21:1-4 (503). “But sheout of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.”

Tuesday, Nov 28, 2017Here he comes now!If you ever hear doomsday theorists say the end of the world isdue any day now, it makes sense to be a little wary. And we havethis advice from a good authority: Jesus. Of course we believeJesus will return to bring the reign of God to fulfillment and judgethe world. But only God knows the timetable. We get ready bestby always looking for Christ’s coming, not only at the end of timebut in our everyday lives. If we’re ready for him now, we’ll beready for him later.

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 2:31-45; Luke 21:5-11 (504). “Do not goafter them.”

Wednesday, Nov 29, 2017Would you testify to that?Testimony has always been part of being a Christian. For the firstfew centuries, just getting baptized was practically a deathsentence, as Christians were regularly hauled into court to professtheir faith and accept the consequences. Even after Christianitywas no longer outlawed, in times and places throughout history itstill hasn’t been safe to wear a cross or go to Mass. Christians insome parts of the world today face persecution, but even thosewho don't must still testify to their faith. How do you?

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 5:1-6, 13-14, 16-17, 23-28; Luke 21:12-19(505). “You will be brought before kings and governors. This willgive you an opportunity to testify.”

Thursday, Nov 30, 2017FEAST OF ANDREW, APOSTLETake a closer walk

Andrew was a seeker. As a young man he went out to the desertto find out what that wild man, John the Baptist, had to offer.What the Baptist offered was the best advice any of us could everget: “Follow Jesus.” Andrew sought out Jesus, became one of thefirst apostles, and followed him to his own death. Today is a goodday to honor the seeker within you. In each of us there is a littlevoice that spurs us on to seek a truer relationship with God. Inmemory of Andrew, listen to that little voice within.

TODAY'S READINGS: Romans 10:9-18; Matthew 4:18-22 (684). “Jesussaid to Simon and Andrew, ‘Follow me, and I will make you fish forpeople.’ ”

Friday, Dec 01, 2017Do you ever wonder?Every age has its own particular mindset through which thepeople view their world. Our 21st-century perspective could becalled “scientific.” Whatever we can see with our eyes andmeasure with our instruments, we believe. Eight hundred yearsago the prevailing attitude was “wonder.” In the Middle Ages allof creation was viewed as a symbol. It was a book in which everyliving thing was a word charged with meaning. The faithful werecalled to look through the visible to the invisible and, by readingnature, read the thoughts of God. Our amazing and helpfuladvances in science have sometimes come at the expense ofwonder. Today, pray to the Holy Spirit for the lost gift of wonderand awe.

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 7:2-14; Luke 21:29-33 (507). “Heavenand earth will pass away, but my words not pass away.”

Saturday, Dec 02, 2017MEMORIAL OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN MARYMary through the agesOne wonders how much honor artists have given the mother ofJesus over the centuries by imagining her as impossibly idealized,the “lovely lady dressed in blue” of sentimental verse. Yet once ina while someone breaks through the pastel pallet. Sister HelenaSteffensmeier, for example, a School Sister of St. Francis inMilwaukee, carved an image of Mary from a gnarled linden treestump. The result: Mary not as child-bride or queen but as an oldwoman, a “grand” mother who has seen both terror and glory,with a face lined and wrinkled but a voice still singing: “The Lordhas done good things for me. Blessed be his name.”

TODAY'S READINGS: Daniel 7:15-27; Luke 21:34-36 (508). “Bevigilant at all times.”

Invest just five minutes a day, and your faith will deepen and grow—a day at a time©2017 TrueQuest Communications. TakeFiveForFaith.com; mail@takefiveforfaith.com. All rights reserved. Noncommercial reprints permittedwith the following credit: Reprinted with permission from TakeFiveForFaith.com. Scripture citations from the New American Bible RevisedEdition. For more information about TAKE FIVE and our regular contributors, go to PrepareTheWord.com. Free daily email and appavailable online at TakeFiveForFaith.com/subscribe.

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A holy Advent leads to a joyful Christmas

Why do Catholics bow during the Nicene Creed?

Discovering hope and joy in the Catholic faith. December 2017

When we proclaim our belief that God’s Son was “born of the Virgin Mary and became man,” we bow out of reverence for the mystery that made our salvation possible (Catechism of the Catholic Church, #461). These words recall

the moment when Mary became the mother of Jesus, who would, “save

his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This is an amazing truth – out of love of us, God became man, died for our sins, and rose from the dead.

During Advent, we wait for the gift of pure love. Taking time each day this season to create moments of watchful silence and thoughtful preparation will lead to real joy at Christmas. Watchful silence. “For God alone my soul waits in silence, for my hope is from him” (Psalm 62:5). God does not shout. He speaks quietly and softly, in a “still small voice” (1 Kings 19:11-12). It isn’t always heard in the rush of daily life but in the silence of our hearts. During Advent, slow down, quiet down and listen for the still small voice of God. Prepare. “Continue steadfastly in prayer,

being watchful in it with thanksgiving” (Colossians 4:2). We fall into sin

because our hearts are not continuously turned to

God. When we con�dently turn to him each day, he will give us the protection and strength we need to withstand the darkness of sin. God does not expect us to be perfect but he does want us to be a little better today than the day before. Regular Confession is indispensible.

Celebrate. We were created to have a mutual,

loving relationship with God. In fact, he loves us so much that he sent his Son to show us, tell us, and die for us. Celebrate our love story on Christmas with Mass and joy.

St. John of the CrossRaised by his

mother after his father’s

death, St. John studied with the Jesuits in Spain. He entered the Carmelite Order in 1563. St. John led a much-needed reform of the Order, encouraging more prayer and simplicity. His reforms were not always popular. He was jailed in a tower for almost a year, yet some of his most beautiful spiritual writing came from this experience. He was a close friend of St. Teresa of Ávila.

“I am with you always.” Sometimes God can seem distant and silent. Yet, he promised to stay with us always (Matthew 28:20). The same God who came to Bethlehem 2,000 years ago still comes to us now to live in our churches and our hearts. Today, be mindful of God’s loving presence. Ask him to help you grow closer to him.

“Draw near to God and he will draw near to

you” (James 4:8).

December 2017 Page 2

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(Unless noted Bible quotes and references are fromthe Revised Standard Version and the New American Bible)

To provide practical ideas that promotefaithful Catholic living.

© Copyright 2017 Success Publishing & Media, LLC

Christmas celebrates the amazing fact that God’s Son became one of us to win

us eternal life. It’s not always easy to focus on the Good

News while shopping, wrapping, baking, rushing, and entertaining. Try these tips for a more joyful Christmas holiday:

Set limits. Stick to your spending limits when buying gifts to avoid sticker shock after the holidays. Be choosy about which invitations to accept so that you aren’t exhausted when Christmas arrives. Focus on prayer. Whether it’s praying a decade of the Rosary, reading Scripture, or spending time before the Blessed Sacrament in church, daily prayer is a necessity not a luxury. Prepare your heart. Make an examination of conscience and go to Confession. Experience God’s mercy as the priest absolves your sins. Make it last. For Catholics, Christmas isn’t just one day – the season lasts until January. Celebrate The Holy Family (December 31st), The Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God (January 1st ), The Epiphany (January 7th), and The Baptism of the Lord (January 8th).

Dec. 8 – Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary (1854). On this day, we commemorate that Mary was conceived in St. Anne’s womb without original sin. In addition to attending Mass, praying a joyful Rosary is a wonderful way to celebrate. Dec. 12 – Our Lady of Guadalupe (1531). The Blessed Mother appeared as a Native American maiden to St. Juan Diego, also Native American. She asked that the bishop of Mexico build a chapel for her, and had him carry roses to the bishop as a sign. When the

roses were emptied from his tilma (cape), it retained the image of the Blessed Mother. Dec. 16 – St. Adelaide (999). A Burgundian princess, St. Adelaide had to escape from a murderous plot for the throne. She was rescued by the Holy Roman Emperor, King Otto of Germany. She married him and upon his death ruled for their young son, Otto II. As queen of Germany she was known for charitable works, including founding and restoring monasteries.

At Christmas time, we are asked to reach into ourselves and bring out only what is kind, generous, and loving. To help, remember that Jesus came to us out of love and wants us to �nd ways to share his love with others. “This is my commandment: love one another as I love you” (John 15:12). Ultimately, Christmas is about love. Comfort those who suffer. This time of year highlights �nancial struggles and hardships. Offer the gift of love by calling your parish of�ce or Catholic Charities (800-919-9338) to learn how

you can help others in need. Offer the gift of yourself. The holidays can be sad for those who are alone. Spending time with someone else – especially when you don’t have much to spare – is one of the most precious ways to show you care. Forgive. There is no better time to offer forgiveness to someone who has wronged you or to ask it of someone you may have hurt. Forgiveness is a powerful form of love in action.

Luke 2:22-40, Look for the Lord

To the uninformed observer, Jesus’ birth was unremarkable and his family was quite ordinary. When it came time to present Jesus in the temple, his parents couldn’t afford the customary offering of a lamb and gave two pigeons as the offering of the poor instead. As faithful Jews, they did what was required by their faith to thank God for the gift of their child. Yet, when Joseph and Mary presented their new baby in the temple, Simeon immediately recognized him as the Messiah. Inspired by the Holy

Spirit, he prophesied that Jesus was to be “a light for revelation to the

Gentiles, and glory for your people Israel” (Luke 2:32).

Simeon was not alone in recognizing the Lord in the temple. Anna

was also �lled with the Holy Spirit. Her faith in

God’s promises gave her hope. The hope God places in our

hearts gives us a desire for the kingdom of Heaven. The Holy Spirit reveals the presence of the Lord to those who want to know him, to receive him, and to be happy with him forever.

Share the Christmas gift of love

How can Ireduce stress this Christmas?