ST. JOSEPH PARISH / PARROQUIA SAN JOSE

Saint Joseph Church Saint Rose of Lima Church

371 East Main Street Middletown, Delaware

Third Sunday of Advent

December 17, 2017

PARISH MISSION STATEMENT We, the faithful of St. Joseph Parish,

willingly accept our baptismal call to gather and worship as a community,

to proclaim the Word of God, and to serve in the image of Jesus Christ.

MISIÓN DE LA PARROQUIA Nosotros, los fieles de la Parroquia de San José,

aceptamos de buena voluntad nuestro llamado bautismal

a reunirnos y adorar como comunidad, a proclamar la Palabra de Dios,

y a servir en la imagen de Jesucristo.

OUR CHURCHES & SACRAMENT SCHEDULE

St. Joseph Church: 371 East Main Street, Middletown, DE, 19709 Saturday Vigil Mass: 5:00 PM Sunday Masses: 7:30, 9:30 11:30AM Misa Dominical: 2:00 PM (Español) Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Saturday at 4:00 PM

St. Rose of Lima Mission: 301 Lock St, Chesapeake City, MD, 21915 Sunday Masses: 8:00, 9:30 AM Tuesday Mass: 8:30 AM Reconciliation: Sunday at 9:00 AM

St. Francis Xavier Shrine: 1604 Church Road, Warwick, MD, 21912 Mass Dates: May 21—4:00 PM, May 29—10:00 AM, Sept 17—4:00 PM and Oct 22—4:00 PM

COUNCIL EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Finance Council: John Sanders (410-275-1428)

Pastoral Council: Ed Holley (302-378-8081)

PASTORAL OFFICE STAFF

Rev. Msgr. David F. Kelley, VC., Pastor Rev. Timothy Brady, O.de.M., Associate Pastor

Tim Enright, Deacon David Feaster, Deacon

Bob Altmiller, Facilities Manager Peggy Barrow Business Manager

Vidette Benn, Parish Secretary Lauren Cataldi, Organist

Jackie Delaporte, Special Assistant, Sacristan Diana Gotthold, Formation Office

Rosemary Hadland, Coordinator of Music Ministry Matthew Jewel, Organist

Mary Kirk, Director of Religious Education Antonia “Tonie” Vandenberg, Ministerio Hispano

Mark Winterbottom, Confirmation Coordinator

GENERAL INFORMATION

E-mail: vbenn@stjosephmiddletown.com Website: www.stjosephmiddletown.com

Pastoral Center / Centro Pastoral: 371 E. Main Street

Middletown, DE 19709 (entrance on Cleaver Farm Road)

302-378-5800, 302-378-5808 (FAX) (toll-free from Maryland: 888-433-1874)

Ministerio Hispano: 302-378-5805, Ext. 104

Office Hours / Horario de la Oficina: Monday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 8:00 PM

Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Christ the Teacher Regional Catholic School

2451 Frazer Road Newark, DE 19702

302-838-8850 www.christtheteacher.org

Sr. LaVerne King, RSM – Principal

4th Sunday of Advent Saturday, December 23

5:00 PM St. Joseph

Sunday, December 24 7:30 AM St. Joseph

8:00 AM St. Rose of Lima 9:30 AM St. Joseph

9:30 AM St. Rose of Lima 11:30 AM St. Joseph (Spanish)

Christmas Eve

Sunday, December 24 4:00 PM St. Joseph

5:00 PM St. Rose of Lima 6:00 PM St. Joseph

7:00 PM St. Rose of Lim 12:00 Midnight St. Joseph

Christmas Day

Monday, December 25 9:00 AM St. Joseph 9:00 AM St. Rose of Lima 11:00 AM St. Joseph 2:00 PM No Mass in Spanish

Feast of the Holy Family Saturday, December 30 5:00 PM St. Joseph

Feast of the Holy Family

Sunday, December 31 7:30 AM St. Joseph 8:00 AM St. Rose of Lima 9:30 AM St. Joseph 9:30 AM St. Rose of Lima 11:30 AM St. Joseph 2:00 PM St. Joseph (Spanish)

Solemnity of Mary, Mother of God Monday, January 1

9:00 AM St. Joseph 9:00 AM St. Rose of Lima

Liturgy Notes

Presider’s Intentions This week, our presiders will offer Masses for these intentions: Monday, December 18 8:30 AM (SJ) Christine Terranova Tuesday, December 19 8:30 AM (SR) Cheri Blum Wednesday, December 20 8:30 AM (SJ) David Dougherty Thursday, December 21 St. Peter Canisius 8:30 AM (SJ) Helen Rutkowski Friday, December 22 8:30 AM (SJ) Bill Williams

Saturday, December 23 5:00 PM (SJ) Lou Moser

Sunday, December 24 4th Sunday of Advent 7:30 AM (SJ) 9:30 AM (SJ) 11:30 AM (SJ) 2:00 PM (SJ) 8:00 AM (SR) 9:30 AM (SR)

ADVENT PENANCE SERVICE

Our regional Advent Penance Service will take place this Sunday evening, December 17th, at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church, at 7:00 PM. We will begin with a communal prayer service and conclude with an opportunity for all present to celebrate the Sacrament of Reconciliation privately with one of the number of priests present for the service. We encourage you to take this opportunity to prepare your heart to receive the Lord anew as Christmas approaches.

A Winter’s Reminder— · · Before venturing out, it is always prudent to call the parish office to check our open or closed status. You may also consult our parish website. · · Personal Safety (yours and others on the road) is our main concern. One does not put one’s self in a state of serious sin by missing Mass on a day when travel to/from church would be hazardous and put one’s self or others in danger.

EARLY BULLETIN DEADLINES Please note the following Holiday deadlines for submitting bulletin notices at our publishers request:

♦ The deadline for the December 31 Bulletin

is Wednesday, December 20

The Word in Our Lives: Readings for December 24, 2017

The 4th Sunday of Advent

First Reading: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 When King David was settled in his palace, and the LORD had given him rest from his enemies on every side, he said to Nathan the prophet, "Here I am living in a house of cedar, while the ark of God dwells in a tent!" Nathan answered the king, "Go, do whatever you have in mind, for the LORD is with you." But that night the LORD spoke to Nathan and said: "Go, tell my servant David, 'Thus says the LORD: Should you build me a house to dwell in?' "It was I who took you from the pasture and from the care of the flock to be commander of my people Israel. I have been with you wherever you went, and I have destroyed all your enemies before you. And I will make you famous like the great ones of the earth. I will fix a place for my people Israel; I will plant them so that they may dwell in their place without further disturbance. Neither shall the wicked continue to afflict them as they did of old, since the time I first appointed judges over my people Israel. I will give you rest from all your enemies. The LORD also reveals to you that he will establish a house for you. And when your time comes and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your heir after you, sprung from your loins, and I will make his kingdom firm. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me. Your house and your kingdom shall endure forever before me; your throne shall stand firm forever."

Responsorial Psalm: Psalm 89:2-3, 4-5, 27, 29 Second Reading: Romans 16:25-27 Brothers and sisters: To him who can strengthen you, according to my gospel and the proclamation of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery kept secret for long ages but now manifested through the prophetic writings and, according to the command of the eternal God, made known to all nations to bring about the obedience of faith, to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ be glory forever and ever. Amen. Gospel: Luke 1:26-38 The angel Gabriel was sent from God to a town of Galilee called Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David, and the virgin's name was Mary. And coming to her, he said, "Hail, full of grace! The Lord is with you." But she was greatly troubled at what was said and pondered what sort of greeting this might be. Then the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. "Behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name him Jesus. He will be great and will be called Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give him the throne of David his father, and he will rule over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end." But Mary said to the angel, "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And the angel said to her in reply, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. Therefore the child to be born will be called holy, the Son of God. And behold, Elizabeth, your relative, has also conceived a son in her old age, and this is the sixth month for her who was called barren; for nothing will be impossible for God." Mary said, "Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." Then the angel departed from her.

La Palabra en Nuestra Vidas: 24 De Diciembre De 2017 IV Domingo De Adviento

Primera Lectura: 2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 Tan pronto como el rey David se instaló en su palacio y el Señor le concedió descansar de todos los enemigos que lo rodeaban, el rey dijo al profeta Natán: "¿Te has dado cuenta de que yo vivo en una mansión de cedro, mientras el arca de Dios sigue alojada en una tienda de campaña?" Natán le respondió: "Anda y haz todo lo que te dicte el corazón, porque el Señor está contigo". Aquella misma noche habló el Señor a Natán y le dijo: "Ve y dile a mi siervo David que el Señor le manda decir esto: '¿Piensas que vas a ser tú el que me construya una casa, para que yo habite en ella? Yo te saqué de los apriscos y de andar tras las ovejas, para que fueras el jefe de mi pueblo, Israel. Yo estaré contigo en todo lo que emprendas, acabaré con tus enemigos y te haré tan famoso como los hombres más famosos de la tierra. Le asignaré un lugar a mi pueblo, Israel; lo plantaré allí para que habite en su propia tierra. Vivirá tranquilo y sus enemigos ya no lo oprimirán más, como lo han venido haciendo desde los tiempos en que establecí jueces para gobernar a mi pueblo, Israel. Y a ti, David, te haré descansar de todos tus enemigos. Además, yo, el Señor, te hago saber que te daré una dinastía; y cuando tus días se hayan cumplido y descanses para siempre con tus padres, engrandeceré a tu hijo, sangre de tu sangre, y consolidaré su reino. Yo seré para él un padre y él será para mí un hijo. Tu casa y tu reino permanecerán para siempre ante mí, y tu trono será estable eternamente' ". Salmo Responsorial: Salmo 88, 2-3. 4-5. 27 y 29 Segunda Lectura: Romanos 16, 25-27 Hermanos: A aquel que puede darles fuerzas para cumplir el Evangelio que yo he proclamado, predicando a Cristo, conforme a la revelación del misterio, mantenido en secreto durante siglos, y que ahora, en cumplimiento del designio eterno de Dios, ha quedado manifestado por las Sagradas Escrituras, para atraer a todas las naciones a la obediencia de la fe, al Dios único, infinitamente sabio, démosle gloria, por Jesucristo, para siempre. Amén. Evangelio: Lucas 1, 26-38 En aquel tiempo, el ángel Gabriel fue enviado por Dios a una ciudad de Galilea, llamada Nazaret, a una virgen desposada con un varón de la estirpe de David, llamado José. La virgen se llamaba María. Entró el ángel a donde ella estaba y le dijo: "Alégrate, llena de gracia, el Señor está contigo". Al oír estas palabras, ella se preocupó mucho y se preguntaba qué querría decir semejante saludo. El ángel le dijo: "No temas, María, porque has hallado gracia ante Dios. Vas a concebir y a dar a luz un hijo y le pondrás por nombre Jesús. Él será grande y será llamado Hijo del Altísimo; el Señor Dios le dará el trono de David, su padre, y él reinará sobre la casa de Jacob por los siglos y su reinado no tendrá fin". María le dijo entonces al ángel: "¿Cómo podrá ser esto, puesto que yo permanezco virgen?" El ángel le contestó: "El Espíritu Santo descenderá sobre ti y el poder del Altísimo te cubrirá con su sombra. Por eso, el Santo, que va a nacer de ti, será llamado Hijo de Dios. Ahí tienes a tu parienta Isabel, que a pesar de su vejez, ha concebido un hijo y ya va en el sexto mes la que llamaban estéril, porque no hay nada imposible para Dios". María contestó: "Yo soy la esclava del Señor; cúmplase en mí lo que me has dicho". Y el ángel se retiró de su presencia.

Team 1 will clean on FRIDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2017

Joanne Russell, Captain Joanne Reid Ellen Walsh

Susan Morrotti Jim Bosco Kathy Van Horn Shirley Stafford Peggy Calvani Anthony Davies Audrey Taylor Helen Moffatt Doris Dill Kathy Ursitti Joe Ruff For more information or to volunteer, please call Loretta Williams, 302-378-8635.

Mumford & Miller Concrete, Inc. for advertising in our parish bulletin.

Please be sure to visit our parish website and check out those businesses who advertise in our bulletin. Your support of these sponsors is one way to say thank you for their generosity.

REDNER’S RECEIPTS The CCEA collects Redner’s receipts. Receipts can be put in the collection basket or dropped off at the church or CCEA office. Please submit the whole receipt as partial receipts will not be considered. Refunds from the Redner receipts covers the expenditure for meats purchased by the food pantry staff for our clients. Thank you for your assistance, it is appreciated.

PAT’S PIZZA Pat’s Pizza Family Restaurant, located at 311 N. Broad Street in Middletown, will donate a portion of all receipts we return to them. Please place your saved receipts in the collection basket or drop them off at the parish office. We are blessed that our local businesses continue to support our parish. Please thank them for their generosity when you visit Pat’s.

Stewardship In January 2013, the finance council (after much research and analysis), put forth a recommendation to refinance the mortgage for St. Joseph Church. Many may recall this given the number of updates provided during that time and on occasion since. We refinanced approximately $1.8m at a lower interest rate (3.99%) on a note that has a 10-year balloon. Therefore, in 2023, we would need to refinance the balance which was estimated to be $1,009,430 based on the amortization schedule. Since we were enjoying the lower interest, we agreed to make monthly payments as if we had not refinanced, therefore applying approximately 3k more to each payment monthly (knowing we could adjust if we ever needed to do so). Leveraging the ongoing contributions by parishioners as well as a bequest that enabled us to pay off another parish loan for the ceiling at St. Joseph’s Church ahead of schedule (further redirecting those monthly payments towards the mortgage 5k), we have maintained an aggressive payoff plan. We approved this strategy knowing that it was an aspirational goal, and at any point if it became burdensome, we could throttle down the payment. Now for the good news! Because of the continued sacrifice of parishioners and contributions coupled with the approach outlined above, we are tracking to pay off the mortgage in its entirety in November 2022! That is ahead of schedule and there will be no need for incremental financing as the mortgage will be paid in full! As we near this date, we will be carefully reviewing and evaluating the monthly payment size to manage cashflow and avoid prepayment fees. As always, these efforts are only made possible through the generosity of our parishioners to which we are grateful. The offertory collection for last weekend was $12,990. The ACH monthly collection was $11,835 for a total of $24,825. The collection for Debt Reduction was $2,683. Thank you for accepting the responsibility of faithful stewardship.

The Finance Council

This Week in Our Parish Monday, December 18 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 9:30 AM—English as a Second Language in Rooms 3 & 6 6:00 PM—Brownies Troop 1092 in Room 1 7:00 PM—RCIA in Room 2 7:00 PM—Friends of Bill W in Rooms 5 & 7 Tuesday, December 19 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Rose Church 6:30 PM—Columbiettes in St. Rose Hall 7:00 PM—Cub Scouts in Parish Complex Wednesday, December 20 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 9:30 AM—Bible Study in Rooms 5 & 7 9:30 AM—English as a Second Language in Rooms 3 & 6 6:00 PM—Cantor Rehearsal in St. Joseph Church 6:30 PM—Contemporary Ensemble in St. Joseph Church 6:30 PM—St. Vincent de Paul Society in OFC-CR 7:00 PM—Boy Scouts Leaders meeting in Rm. 3 7:00 PM—Choir Rehearsal in St. Joseph Church Thursday, December 21 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church 6:30 PM—Boy Scouts in Parish Hall 7:00 PM—Friends of Bill W in Rooms 5 & 7 Friday, December 22 8:30 AM—Mass at St. Joseph Church Saturday, December 23 4:00 PM—Confessions in St. Joseph Church 5:00 PM—Mass in St. Joseph Church Sunday, December 24 12:00 PM—Mass at St. Joseph (Spanish) 4:00 PM—Christmas Eve Mass in St. Joseph Church 5:00 PM—Christmas Eve Mass in St. Rose Church 6:00 PM—Christmas Eve Mass in Joseph Church 7:00 PM—Christmas Eve Mass in St. Rose Church

Parish Life WELCOME

The people of St. Joseph Parish welcome into our family Syndney MaryAnn Poe who will be baptized this weekend. Congratulations to you, your parents & godparents. God bless you as you begin your faith journey

NEW TO THE PARISH

The following people have registered in our parish recently:

the Poe family of Middletown; the Balaguer family of Townsend;

and Mr. & Mrs. Gratkowski of Middletown.

We pray that you will become closer to God through your participation in our Faith Community. We look forward to getting to know you. Welcome!

PRAY FOR THOSE WHO ARE ILL

We remember in prayer all those who are ill, especially: Oremos por los enfermos:

Joyce Asplen, Tony Dooley, John Viars, Anne White, Heather Seramone, Danielle Mundell, Michael LaSapio, Reid LaSapio, Edward Hudack, Daisy Pabon, Evelyn Keller, Richard Bengermino, Emily Knorr, Steven Brown, Lea Castelli, Ludwig Possenti, Ron Huff, Joel Rivera, Andrew Tomaino, Ronald McGrath, Jim Barrett, Karen Weis, Trudy Copley, Paul Henderson, Keith Delaney, Margaret Cassling, Karen Gabrielsen, Irene Shestock, Christine Cavaliere, Mary Maycen, Brandon Austin, Krystina Paulson, Matt Malus, Terrie Dunn, Peggy Robinson, Joseph Nelson, Joan Huhn, Connie Beardsley, Shelly DiPietrapaul, Jackie Provost, Alvin Atallian, Catrina Copley and Tess Dooley. We also remember in prayer their caregivers and all others in need of our prayers. También recordamos en oración a sus cuidadores y a todos los demás que necesitan nuestras oraciones.

MAY THE ANGELS LEAD THEM

INTO PARADISE Please remember in your prayers our deceased parishioners, loved ones and benefactors.

Grant them eternal rest, O Lord,

and let perpetual light shine upon them.

Social Concerns

ST. VINCENT DE PAUL SOCIETY 302-463-6255

DEDICATED TO THE SERVICE OF THOSE IN NEED IN THE MOT AREA

MINISTRY TO THOSE IN NEED Last weekend, we received $200.75 from the Poor Box at St. Joseph. Last weekend we received $15, from the Poor Box at St. Rose. Thank you for continuing to assist those in need.

OUR DAILY BREAD Our Daily Bread feeds low income families, individuals, children, the elderly and those in need in the MOT communities with nutritious meals in a safe environment. They serve Lunch,

Monday, Wednesday, Friday from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm and Dinner Tuesday & Thursday from 5:30 pm to 6:30 pm. If you have any questions email: ourdailybread.2016@gmail.com or call 302-285-9540. Our Daily Bread is located at 214 North Broad Street, Middletown.

The message this week once again emphasizes the role of John the Baptist. John’s humility is one that we should strive to emulate. He recognized that the Lord has given him gifts and talents, but more importantly, that these gifts are for the honor and glory of the Lord. Do you utilize your gifts and talents to bring glory to yourself, or to the Lord? This week evaluate your skills, and the gifts that Christ has blessed you with. How are you utilizing them to bolster your faith, and bring glory to the Lord? There are numerous parish ministries that can benefit from your participation, join one, and watch how your gifts flourish in serving the one that provided them to you.

CLASES DE INGLÉS Las clases comenzarán el lunes 18 de septiembre de 9:30 am a 12:00 pm. Los Lunes y Miércoles según el año escolar.

TURKEY TALK Today is the last day for donations of turkeys, grocery store certificates and donations of non perishable food items which will be distributed thru the Giving Tree program and St. Vincent de Paul Christmas dinners for the needy.

MISA EN ESPAÑOL

Misa el Domingo12/24 será a las 11:30 a.m. Misa en español el lunes, día de Navidad en Galena St. Dennis a las 11:00 a.m.

CCEA SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER

POWER OF PRAYER Prayer is powerful…...do you have someone or something for which you would like prayers? You may phone the Parish Office or email your prayer requests to Kathy Dolde at kdolde@gmail.com and they will pass them on to members of our Prayer Chain. Parishioners are also welcome to join our prayer group. All it involves is getting an email and praying for the person or petition. If you are interested, please contact Kathy.

ROSARY AT BROADMEADOW The Rosary is prayed each Wednesday at 10:00 AM at Broadmeadow Nursing Home. Any parishioner is welcome to attend and participate. We are also in need of people to lead the rosary. If you are able to help please call Helen Gaden at 302-376-0711.

MARRIAGE MOMENTS Don’t let the busyness of Christmas preparations blind you to the gift of your relationship. Don't let shopping or decorating or worries keep you from treasuring the presence of your beloved.

PARENTING POINTERS Where does God live? Ask your child. Perhaps each of you can draw a picture of God's home. Is God in the sky, in nature, inside you, even in your enemy? YES. Help your children recognize God as an omnipresent Holy Spirit who makes everything they see, hear, and touch sacred.

WEDNESDAY MORNING BIBLE STUDY Please join us for Bible Study on Wednesday mornings at 9:30 AM in the parish center when we break open the Scriptures for the coming Sunday.

We encourage people to share how the readings touch their lives or to sit quietly and listen as others reflect on them. The conversation is easy and informative. Come when and as often as you’d like. If you have questions please call 302-378-5800.

Christian Formation

BIBLE STUDY & PRAYER GROUP We are studying “The Bible and the Virgin Mary”. Our group meets on the 1st, 3rd, and 5th Tuesdays of the month at 6:30pm. Please call Jan Faust at 302-584-8703 for more information. All are welcome! A second group, hosted by Ed Sumner & Ellen Losse, meets on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of the month to discuss the readings for the following Sunday. Please call Ed @ 302-449-2387 or Ellen at 302-449-5532 for directions.

PUNTEROS DE CRIANZA ¿Dónde vive Dios? Pregúntale a tu hijo Quizás cada uno de ustedes pueda hacer un dibujo del hogar de Dios. ¿Está Dios en el cielo, en la naturaleza, dentro de ti, incluso en tu enemigo? SÍ. Ayude a sus hijos a reconocer a Dios como un Espíritu Santo omnipresente que hace que todo lo que ven, oyen y tocan sea sagrado.

MOMENTOS DE MARTRIMONIO No permita que el ajetreo de los preparativos de Navidad lo ciegue al regalo de su relación. No permita que las compras, las decoraciones o las preocupaciones le impidan atesorar la presencia de su ser amado.

VOCATIONS REFLECTION Through the ministry of priests, deacons and religious women and men, the Lord brings glad tidings to the poor, proclaims liberty to captives and announces His favor to all who would follow in His ways. Is God calling you to serve His people through a religious vocation? If you think so, please call or write Father Norm Carroll, Diocesan Director of Priestly and Religious Vocations (302-573-3113 or vocations@cdow.org). Be sure to visit our website: www.cdow.org/vocations!

PASS THE WORD Pass the Word is an annual Diocesan Vocation initiative that seeks to introduce our young men in high school to the possibility of a vocation to the Priesthood through a day long program with the Bishop, priests and seminarians. It is on Tuesday, February 27, 2018 at St. Mary’s Seminary & University, Baltimore, MD. Please mark your calendars and share this date with all who work with our youth. We also invite you to begin thinking about young men in grades 9th to 12th to nominate and ask you to join us in our prayers for priestly vocations. More information about the day’s events and the nomination process will be forth coming in January of 2018.

GOOD NEWS Listen to Catholic Forum every Sunday morning at 10:05 a.m. on WDEL 101.7 FM, 1150 AM and www.wdel.com. Next Sunday, December 24th tune in for the annual Catholic Forum Christmas program featuring some great Christmas music performed by the Padua Academy Women’s Chorus and Madrigal Singers and Bishop Francis Malooly’s Christmas message to the people of the Diocese. For photos, information regarding upcoming guests, podcasts and more, “Like” Catholic Forum on Facebook at www.facebook.com/catholicforum. Listen to past episodes of Catholic Forum online at cdow.org/communications or search “Catholic Forum” on Apple Podcasts or iHeartRadio podcasts.

Around the Diocese

WILMINGTON HANDBELL ENSEMBLE Delaware’s premier auditioned bell choir, a sponsored ministry of St. Paul’s United Methodist Church is pleased to announce their Winter 2017 schedule.

Friday, January 5 at 7:30 PM: West Nottingham Presbyterian

For more information, visit our website at www.wilmingtonhandbellensemble.org.

SAINT THOMAS MORE ACADEMY Saint Thomas More Academy is a Catholic College Preparatory School located in Kent County. We are accepting applications now for the 2018-2019 school year. If you are interested in spending a day at STMA or learning more about STMA, we encourage you to visit us in person or through our website www.saintmore.org .

Here’s what’s happening at Saint Thomas More: Dec. 24th @ 4:30pm – Christmas Eve Mass Jan. 5th & 6th @ 6pm – Drama Production “Taming of the Shrew” Jan. 13th - Fine Art Scholarship Auditions Jan. 16th – FACTS Grant and Aid deadline

CATHOLIC PRIESTS OF THE DIOCESE OF WILMINGTON

"Catholic Priests of the Diocese of Wilmington" by Fr. Tom Peterman is now available to order as a great gift for Christmas, birthdays, Mother's Day, Father's Day, and more. The cost is $50, which includes shipping and han-dling. To order and pay, you can email petermanpublica-tion@gmail.com or to Rev. Thomas Peterman, 2505 Cen-terville Road, Wilmington DE 19808

REDISCOVER THE LOVE IN YOUR MARRIAGE! Is your marriage going down the right road or is it a little off track? Life can be difficult, and so can the challenges you face in marriage. Does the distance between you seem wide? Are you already separated? Looking for a better way? Retrouvaille can help and offers hope for a better relationship. Retrouvaille is a peer ministry of volunteer couples that can help you to learn the tools of healthy communication, build intimacy and heal, just as they have done in their own marriages. Retrouvaille is Christian-based and Catholic in origin, but welcomes couples of all faiths as well as non-religious couples. The next program begins on the weekend of February 16 at the Family Life Center in Malvern, PA. Additional weekends will be held in April and August. For more information, or to register for one of our weekends, visit our web site at: www.HelpOurMarriage.com or call 1-800-470-2230. All inquiries are kept strictly confidential.

LADIES NIGHT OUT Brother Vincent Columbiettes invite you to enjoy a “LADIES NIGHT OUT” on Sunday January 21st

from 6:00-9:00 P.M at St. Polycarp Parish Hall, Ransom Lane & South Street. Smyrna, Delaware. Join us for a fun filled night of: Wine, Hors d’oeuvres, Music, Live Entertainment, Door prizes and much more…Tickets are $20.00. Contact: Jill Mercer at (302) 653-3936 or (518) 795-7579.

ST. MARY OF THE ASSUMPTION St. Mary of the Assumption Early Education Open House is on Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 10am-12noon. Registration is from January 1st-Febuary 9th. For More Information please call Karen Rombach at 302-239-7100 ext. 34.

ST. THOMAS COLUMBIETTES 12374 MARCH FOR LIFE

St. Thomas the Apostle Knights of Columbus has chartered a bus for people of all ages, weather permitting, for the March for Life held on Friday, January 19th. There will be a stop at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception for those unable to make the March. Seats will be available on a first come basis. The only cost to the individual passenger is a tip for the bus driver. Please contact Theresa Collurafici at 12374Columbiettes@gmail.com or 302-322-2929 to sign up

SAVING GRACE CHRISTIAN BOOKSTORE Saving Grace Christian Bookstore, located at 109 W Main St, Middletown, DE 19709 has in stock the St Joseph Missal, Church Advent candles, Advent calendars, Nativity sets, Rosary beads, and St Joseph Statues.