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 2, 2018

The First Sunday of Advent

Artwork by Joshua Shawhan, 8th grade

DECEMBER 2, 2018 - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

MASS INTENTIONS READINGS DECEMBER 2 - 9, 2018

Monday: Is 2:1-5; Ps 122:1-9; Mt 8:5-11 Tuesday: Is 11:1-10; Ps 72:1-2, 7-8, 12-13, 17; Lk 10:21-24 Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a; Ps 23:1-6; Mt 15:29-37 Thursday: Is 26:1-6; Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a; Mt 7:21, 24-27 Friday: Is 29:17-24; Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14; Mt 9:27-31 Saturday: Gn 3:9-15, 20; Ps 98:1-4; Eph 1:3-6, 11-12; Lk 1:26-38 Sunday: Bar 5:1-9; Ps 126:1-6; Phil 1:4-6, 8-11; Lk 3:1-6

PLEASE PRAY FOR:

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

Sat., Dec. 1 - Vigil of the First Sunday of Advent

4:00PM + Charles Raab

Sunday, Dec. 2 - The First Sunday of Advent

8:00AM + Toni Thornton

10:30AM + Pete Quiroga

Monday, December 3 - St. Francis Xavier

8:30AM COMMUNION SERVICE

Tuesday, December 4 - St. John Damascene

8:30AM For those seeking employment

Wednesday, December 5

8:30AM + Don Hodes

Thursday, December 6 - St. Nicholas

8:30AM For those affected by the fires in California

Friday, December 7 - St. Ambrose

8:30AM Nativity of Mary Parish & School

Sat. December 8 - Vigil of the 2nd Sunday of Advent

4:00PM + Caterina DiGaetano & Emil & Mary Yancik

Sunday, December 9 - The Second Sunday of Advent

8:00AM + Charles Raab

10:30AM + John “Hank” Rys, Sr.

6:30PM Feast of the Immaculate Conception

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.

Vern/Margaret Ault Barbara Garrett Carlos Pinon

Shannon Casey Joey Gray 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 Arnold Muzquiz Daniel Wheeler

Ally/Shannon Fowler Cheryl Owen Gerard Wickey

Garry/Emily Gagnon Juan/Mary Perez Ayden Wright

THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT MUSIC OUTLINE

Readings may be found beginning on G #993

Gathering: This Is Your Justice Psalm: G #40, Psalm 25: To You, O Lord Offertory: God Never Tires or G #909, Jesus, Hope of the World Mass Setting: G #211-16, Mass of Joy and Peace Communion: G #653, There Is a Longing Song of Praise: SS #134, Come and Set Us Free

DECEMBER 2, 2018 - PARISH NEWS

NATIVITY OF MARY CONTRIBUTION REPORT

Because of an early transmission deadline for the bulle-tin the Contribution Report is not available this week.

Did You Know…

We are no longer collecting empty medi-cine bottles. The Sisters of St. Francis have let us know they do not need us to

save the bottles for them any more.

M I N I S T R Y

S C H E D U L E

IMMACULATE CONCEPTION 2018 HOLY DAY OF OBLIGATION

You may be wondering whether December 8th (the Feast of the Immaculate Conception) is a Holy Day of obligation this year since it falls on a Saturday. See the following answer from Fr. Paul Turner, Di-rector of the Office of Divine Worship for the Dio-cese.

“Mary is patron of our country under the title of the Immaculate Conception. So even though in the United States the obligation is usually lifted from Holy Days that fall on Saturday, it will not be on De-cember 8, 2018. Catholics will be expected to par-ticipate at Mass on Friday night the 7th or Saturday morning the 8th and then return to participate again at Mass for the 2nd Sunday of Advent.”

Nativity will celebrate a Mass for the Holyday on Fri-day, December 7, 2018 at 6:30 p.m. Please note that the 8:30 a.m. Mass on December 7th is not the Holy-day Mass.

Dec. 7th 6:30 PM Mass

Cantor Kathy Bishop

Accompanist Susan Walker

Lectors Barbara Garrett Joe Foley

Eucharistic Ministers

Rosa Milazzo Ed Seufert Judy Seufert John Felz Susie Kenney Becky Adkins Volunteer

Ushers Ron Galvan Marilyn Mineart Nancy Ronan Volunteer

Servers Volunteer Volunteer

FEAST OF THE IMMACULATE CONCEPTION

Support our Diocesan Seminarians and Receive a Packet of Conception Abbey’s Printery House Cards from the Serra Club of Southeast KC, MO this week-end following each Mass.

Take a few moments to visit the Seminarians photo/information display hosted by the Serra Club. Please take a moment to select one, or more, of the seminarian photo pages to take home and to pray for them regu-larly. This display will also offer an opportunity to donate to the fund for our seminarians at Christmas time. For each $20 donation you will receive a packet of Concep-tion Printery House Greeting Cards. Please support our men preparing for priesthood by visiting this display.

DECEMBER 2 - 22, 2018 CALENDAR

Sunday 2 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 9AM - Choir

Monday 3 8:30AM Communion Serv.

Tuesday 4 8:30AM Mass 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA

Wednesday 5 8:30AM Mass 7PM - Choir

Thursday 6 8:30AM Mass

Friday 7 8:30AM Mass 6:30PM Mass-Feast of the Immaculate Conception

8AM - Coffee with the Principal 9AM - Eucharistic Adoration

Saturday 8 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass

9 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass

10 8:30AM Communion Serv.

Noon - 2:00PM Catered by Nativity’s 8th grade

7PM - Book Club

11 8:30AM Mass 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA 7PM - Ministry Council Mtg.

12 8:30AM Mass

6PM School

Christmas Program

13 8:30AM Mass

14 8:30AM Mass 6:30 - 9:30 PM Parents Night Out

15 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass 1PM - First Reconciliation Retreat and Practice

16 8:00AM Mass 10:30AM Mass 8AM

1PM - Advent Penance Serv. & 1st Reconciliation

17 8:30AM Communion Serv.

18 8:30AM Mass 9AM - Quilters 7PM - RCIA

19 8:30AM Mass 1:30PM - School Penance Service 7PM - Choir

20 8:30AM Mass 12:10PM - School Christmas Break Begins 6:30PM - Liturgy Committee Mtg.

21 8:30AM Mass

22 3:00PM Confession 4:00PM Mass

DECEMBER 8TH & 9TH MINISTRY SCHEDULE

Dec. 8 & 9 4:00 PM Mass 8:00 AM Mass 10:30 AM Mass

Lectors Lyda Steiert Grace Arnone

Brian DeMarea Nancy Ronan

Youth Mass

Eucharistic Ministers

Loretta Van Bibber Rosa Milazzo Joe Arnone Sherrie Eaton Theresa Walter Donna Arnone Volunteer

Larry Nauser Mike Fetters Pat Clark John Felz Carla Brewer Sara Breunig

Mary Vitt Vanessa Wiegman Sandy DeSchepper Mercy Kimbrough Mary Singer Manny Martinez Becky Winbinger

Ushers Marilyn Mineart Danny Barnes Sue Reiser Bernie Schulte

Mary Ann McClure Ron Galvan Charles Bellman Volunteer

Mark Bishop Janet Duffey Donnie Duffey Mike Monley

Servers Lucy Barnes Anna Barnes

Sam Rosenberg Volunteer

Katie Winbinger Lauren Winbinger

Cantor Vickie Carrillo Martha Jean Youth Choir

Accompanist JoAnn Ishmael Michelle Camacho Susan Walker

SCHOOL - DECEMBER 2, 2018

OUR DEAR LORD SHUT-INS Each year the Middle School students prepare 150 containers for the needy residents of inner-city nursing homes. This is the only Christmas gift these resi-dents receive.

Please help us fill the containers. We will need the fol-lowing travel/trial size items:

Lotion Chocolate Peppermint Patties Soap Bite Size Chocolate Candy Shampoo Wrapped Hard Candy Powder Cheese Crackers Deodorant Peanut Butter Crackers Conditioner 5-stick Pack of Gum Pocket Kleenex Sugar Free Candy Sugar Free Gum

This year we will need one size fits all gloves. Also, cash contributions would be greatly appreciated. We will accept your donations now through December 7th.

Take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) At St. Teresa’s Academy

December 8th, 2018 or January 12, 2019 8:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. (test begins at 8:15 a.m.)

Eighth grade girls are invited to take the HSPT at St. Teresa’s Academy. For our convenience, two test dates are offered. You may choose to take the HSPT on ei-ther December 8 or January12. Test takers should check-in at 8:00 a.m. at the Windmoor Center (lace-wrapped building). All students applying for admission into the freshman class are required to take this test. Stay after the test for pizza!

To register, please visit the St. Teresa’s Academy web-site at www.stastars.org/admissions/apply, and fill out the online application (HSPT registration is part of the application).

St. Teresa’s Academy is a Catholic, college preparatory high school sponsored by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, and committed to excellence in the educa-tion of young women. The Academy seeks a diverse student community and admits students without regard to race, color, national, or ethnic origin. Contact Becky Flores, Admissions Directory, at 816-501.0035 or bflores@stteresasacademy.org with questions.

Utilizing our community resources is a strength of Nativ-ity! The Nelson- Atkins Museum of Art has an amazing Educator Resource Center. This quarter while 7th grade learns about Ancient Asia and 6th grade learns about Ancient Egypt in Social Studies, during Language Arts students will read the corresponding mythology. This cross-curricular teaching style helps students make con-nections. To start their mythology unit in an engaging way, students were able to touch, smell, and explore art and artifacts from these ancient cultures with art connec-tion kits from the Nelson. In each kit, there were fra-grances of ancient China and ancient Egypt, Egyptian clothing for students to try on, Chinese wood joinery kits, Egyptian hieroglyphics, a Chinese calligraphy set, and so much more. The Egyptian art kit connected what 6th grade was learning in Science as well. It had rocks and minerals from Egypt, and students learned how the an-cient Egyptians used them. What better way to learn about an ancient culture than to look, touch, and smell their art and artifacts?

DECEMBER 2, 2018 - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT We the Church enter into Advent and the new liturgical year with a call for a watchful confidence. Our readings were originally addressed to communities undergoing great loss and confusion. Jeremiah speaks confidently of God fulfilling the ancient promises to Israel, even during a time of foreign invasion. Paul speaks of God leading the Church into holi-ness, while the community longs for the coming of Jesus. In the Gospel passage from Luke, Jesus speaks of powerful signs and of great confusion to come, but emphasizes that we may look forward knowing that God brings not cause for despair, but hope. We celebrate Advent to remind each other of God’s faithfulness. We are to be watchful, to see how God is stirring up our world. God both disturbs our pride and complacency, and brings us healing and justice. We pre-pare ourselves to welcome Jesus, confident that God indeed fulfills all these divine promises. WIDENING OUR VISION In daily life, it’s easy to simply focus on the here and now. Life can be complex and rapidly changing. It’s often plenty for us just to get through the day. Yet it seems that in Luke’s Gospel today, Jesus is asking his followers, and us too, to widen our focus and see a larger reality. We are asked to observe not only the routines of daily life, not only the large forces of history acting upon us, but also God bringing forth the birth of a new creation. Jesus asks us to see beyond today’s troubles and watch God stirring up hope. We are to more truly see persons in need, those who experience violence, loss, or injustice. We are asked to see beyond the superficial during the Christmas shopping season, and to see Christ as ultimate Gift and gift-giver. WAITING WELL Today we begin Lectionary Year C, when the Gospel readings are frequently from the Gospel of Luke. Luke wrote for a community that wrestled with questions about what had happened and what had not (yet) happened. Some in the com-munity had anticipated the promised return of Jesus during their lifetimes. In today s Gospel, Jesus does not offer a timetable for his coming, but asks us to watch and wait. We can learn to wait faithfully, not knowing what will happen next, but living in trust. Advent is a time to learn again about waiting well. Many of the events we most cherish in life involve waiting: the birth of a child, graduation, a new job, retirement. How we receive these events often depends on how well we have waited and prepared. Waiting well is not passive. We often work hard to prepare for life’s big events, both externally and in our hearts. We ready ourselves, but allow for surprises. Advent’s preparation for Christmas mirrors our many waitings, knowing that God may come into our lives by surprise, without a timetable.

Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Company

TREASURES FROM OUR TRADITION Occasionally, someone raises a surprised complaint that while Christmas arrives on Santa’s sleigh at the Macy’s parade on Thanksgiving Day, the Church doesn’t catch on too fast. They may even say that Advent is a new-fangled idea. Not so. To trace its beginnings, we have to go back to the fourth or fifth century in France (then Gaul), when Epiphany was the favored day, next to Easter, for baptism. The old pagan structures of Rome were collapsing then, and many people sought to be baptized. Since adults always prepared for baptism by fasting, folks counted back a few weeks for a kind of retreat. Before too long, bishops were advising everyone to attend church frequently beginning on December 17. Soon, artists were imagining ways of expressing the Advent mystery, and in Italy this gave rise to beautiful mosaics of empty thrones awaiting the arrival of the Lord of all creation. Advent as we know it develops on two separate tracks: the first having to do with our spiritual preparation for celebrating the Christmas feast, and the second having to do with the way this is organized and expressed in the liturgical readings and prayers every day of the season. Rev. James Field, Copyright (c) J. S. Paluch Co.

DECEMBER 2, 2018 - THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16TH

PARISH RECONCILIATION SERVICE - 1:00 P.M.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH SCHOOL RECONCILIATION SERVICE - 1:30 P.M.

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24TH

CHRISTMAS EVE MASS - 3:00 P.M.

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH MIDNIGHT MASS - 12:00 A.M.

CHRISTMAS DAY MASS - 10:00 A.M.

TUESDAY, JANUARY 1ST SOLEMNITY OF MARY MASS - 10:00 A.M.

THE MINISTRY CENTER WILL BE CLOSED:

MONDAY, DECEMBER 24TH, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 25TH

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 26TH MONDAY, DECEMBER 31ST

AND TUESDAY, JANUARY 1ST