Issuu

DECEMBER 2021

the phi lipian

A P U B L I C AT I O N O F S T . P H I L I P N E R I C AT H O L I C C H U R C H

Advent Lessons and Carols:

Offering a Valuable Opportunity for Preparation

lthough last year’s event was scaled down due to pandemic restrictions, this year St. Philip Neri Church will hold our eighth Advent Lessons and Carols at 2 p.m. on Dec. 12. Not only will our adult choir, handbell choir, and brass quintet be taking part, but there also will be elements incorporated for the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. “There will be Spanish readings and several songs that will be presented in Spanish by the choir and a soloist,” says Linda Liberty, Director of Music. “It will be something a little different.” Last year there were readings, and there was a small group of choir members and handbell players. The event was livestreamed, and only 40

were in attendance. “Even with COVID restrictions, I was determined that we’d do something,” Linda says. “People were very appreciative of what was done as we tried to maintain a normalcy, especially with the liturgy and music.” Our Advent Lessons and Carols service, while modeled after the traditional Episcopalian and Anglican service, will have no readings or songs about the birth of Christ. “We will be doing only readings from the New Testament regarding the Annunciation and the Magnificat,” Linda says. “We also will do the readings from John 1, ‘In the beginning was the word...’ but nothing about the birth of Jesus or any continued on page 5

Keeping Things in Perspective During the Christmas Season

he Christmas season has arrived. Garlands, poinsettias, lights, and Christmas trees are starting to pop up in homes and businesses. Cookies are being baked, holiday guests are arriving, and Christmas cards are flooding our mailboxes. This joyous season is now upon us. But before we know it, in just a few short weeks, the Christmas cards will be replaced with holiday bills and statements reminding us of the money we spent on holiday gifts for our loved ones. So how are you financially handling the holiday season thus far? Perhaps you are staying within your means by planning a detailed budget and remaining within its limits. You may be taking advantage of seasonal sales in order to purchase that otherwise expensive, sought-after item. Maybe you are simply overspending on unnecessary items, having been drawn in by the seasonal marketing campaigns. The financial pressures of creating the perfect holiday scenario can be quite daunting, especially in America, where the “buy now, pay later” philosophy prevails. Of course, we all want to provide a wonderful Christmas experience for our family and friends. But at what cost? As good stewards of our financial resources, we are called to be responsible with our money throughout the entire year, even at Christmas. Take a moment to remember last Christmas. Do you remember all the presents you received? Probably not. Instead, you probably remember the way a certain food tasted, or the smell of the Christmas tree, or how the beautiful lights glistened in the dark. You most likely remember the feelings of joy caused by sharing a special occasion with loved ones. These are the memories that truly matter most, rather than what was packaged under the tree. Though most of us believe this in our hearts, each year we find ourselves focusing on the material aspects of Christmas, sometimes forgetting the true reason for the season – the

birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior. After all, it wouldn’t feel like Christmas if we didn’t buy nice presents for every person on our long gift list – or would it? Perhaps, instead of just buying and spending, we could use our talents to share with others. Or, as busy as we are these days, maybe we could actually spend more time with those we love. We could make a gingerbread house with our grandchildren, or brew up a cup of hot cocoa and watch It’s A Wonderful Life with our family at our side. We are often so busy shopping, we don’t have time for sharing of ourselves. As good stewards, we are called to share our time and talent with others to glorify God, just as much as we are called to share our treasure. And even if we are fortunate enough to have the financial means to shower our friends and family with gifts, should we so recklessly spend our money? Aren’t there better places to utilize our God-given treasure? Keeping our finances in perspective can be difficult, but asking God’s guidance as we make our financial decisions this holiday season is a perfect way to stay on track. Ask God to help you be a good steward. Ask God to give you the strength not to overspend as a result of guilt or a desire to “show off.” Indeed, true friends and family members will love you for your gesture, rather than the size of their gifts.

A Letter From Our Pastor

Dear Parishioners,

Stewardship Possibilities are Endless at Christmas

hen I think of December, the first thing that comes to my mind is Christmas. While that may seem obvious, there are several other possibilities. I could think of Advent, which prepares us for Christmas. I could think of the Immaculate Conception, a Holy Day of Obligation, and the patronal festival of the United States. I could think of Our Lady of Guadalupe, whose popularity has spread far beyond the Hispanic community. December also brings the winter solstice. And it brings the end of the secular calendar year, which means getting my financials together for the upcoming income tax season. But instead, I think of Christmas — one of the greatest feasts of the Christian year, along with Easter and Pentecost. The basic truth of Christmas, celebrating the birth of Jesus the Messiah, God Incarnate, is plenty of reason for us all to rejoice and worship. But we’ve piled so much extra baggage on our Christmas observance, and worship is often almost lost in the shuffle. We send Christmas cards to people we contact at no other time of the year. We put up wreaths, Christmas trees, and lights. We host parties for family and friends. We visit relatives. We plan and prepare Christmas meals. And we have Christmas gifts to buy. No wonder the Christ Mass becomes an afterthought! Maybe, though, we can combine our Christmas activities with our stewardship commitments. Treasure is the simplest. Shouldn’t the most expensive Christmas present we give be the one

to Jesus whose birthday we’re celebrating? Risen and glorified, He needs nothing we have. But His Body — the Church — continues Jesus’ mission here on earth and always needs additional resources. Time and Talent may be a little more complicated, but can’t we spend a little more of our time in worship and prayer? Stop by the church for a visit to the Christmas Crib and offer a prayer of thanks for the gift of God’s Son. Attend Mass each day of the Christmas Octave. Gather your family for prayers together in the morning or at dinner in preparation for Christmas Day and through the Christmas season. And Talent? There are lots of possibilities: Sing in the choir for the Christmas Masses. Help decorate the Church. Cook or bake for someone who is homebound. Invite someone who will be alone to share Christmas dinner with your family. Offer to work in a soup kitchen if you will be alone. The possibilities are endless. Yes, December means Christmas. But with some planning, we can make this hectic time a real blessing both for ourselves and others. Pray for me that I can keep Christmas properly, and I’ll pray for you. And by the way, have a Merry Christmas! Sincerely yours in Christ,

Fr. Fabio Refosco, C.O.

THE YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY:

Bringing the Faith

t seems to happen naturally in parishes — there is a youth group for the youth and then a Bible study group that mainly appeals to those who are middle-aged and older. So, we don’t want to miss the chance of ministering to young adults, single or married, ages 18 to 35. This age range remains an important time to build a faith community. Tayler Culbertson, our Youth and Young Adult Ministry Coordinator, leads and organizes the Young Adult Ministry (YAM) with four other young adults. This fall, YAM held a wildly successful Fall Festival for young adults and young families. There was food, a band, games, and time to socialize. Tayler is enthusiastic about the turnout for this first

year of the event — about 80 adults were there along with 10 children. “This was the largest event we have hosted, and it was extremely successful,” she says. “We hope to do it annually. It was so fulfilling to see young adults coming together to meet one another.” YAM’s mission is “to build strong stewardship communities of young adults who are in love with Jesus Christ and who are committed to serving Him in the Church and in the world.” The goal of YAM is to create space for men and women to grow in faith and build authentic relationships. They meet several times per month for socializing, volunteer projects, and faith nights. The group hopes to go on

The Young Adult Ministry’s Fall Fest event was a huge success.

Alive and Building Real Relationships a mission trip this spring or summer. With all the temptations and bad influences out in the world, YAM is a place to connect over something positive and life-giving. Members have learned new ways to pray and have discussed various faith topics. “Mainly, the group evangelizes through the community and encountering Christ in that community and in one another,” Tayler says. As Tayler points out, this group provides a way for young adults to know they are not alone in

practicing the Catholic faith. “This group allows people to provide wisdom to one another, hold each other accountable, pray with one another, and more,” Tayler says. In turn, ministry members are getting more involved in the parish as a result of being involved with YAM, with some teaching Confirmation and assisting with Youth Ministry programs. Coordinating this group is part of Tayler’s job, but she also loves attending. She has made so many friends and looks forward to all future events.

Young adults may learn more by emailing Tayler Culbertson at youthandyoungadutcoordinator@saintphilipneri.org or following the group on Instagram — @spnyoungadultsministry. The ministry also has a GroupMe chat account.

Advent Lessons and Carols of the readings done on Christmas Eve. These will be strictly Advent Lesson and Carols. All the music will be for Advent, and a lot of Isaiah and the reading from Genesis, the fall of Man. This is the purpose of Advent, to go to the beginning and go from there.” With so much emphasis put on the celebration of Christmas, Linda wants our parish to recognize the importance of Advent — the preparation for the birth of Jesus. “We hold the Advent Lessons and Carols because we’re a liturgical church, and Advent is passed over a lot,” she says. “As a liturgical church, it is important to highlight this season

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of the church year. Christmas trees are put up before Halloween, but poor Advent tends to get passed over. You’re preparing for the birth of a child, and this takes time.” Linda encourages all to attend this special event in order to help our focus remain true to the season. “We’re highlighting the season of Advent, and if you haven’t experienced this, people are amazed about how much this prepares them for the Christmas season,” Linda says. “It foreshadows the birth of Jesus, and how the prophets foretold it.”

If you would like more information about the Advent Lessons and Carols event, please contact the parish office at 803-548-7282.

What Is the Immaculate Conception? A Closer Look at this Important Feast Day — Dec. 8

hen it comes to Catholic trivia, there is one simple question that often evokes an incorrect response: “What is the Immaculate Conception?” More often than not, this term is believed to designate Christ’s conception within Mary, through the power of the Holy Spirit. A good guess, no doubt. But that is incorrect! The term “Immaculate Conception” describes the state of Mary’s soul within the womb of her mother, St. Anne. It has nothing to do with a special type of generative conception by her parents — Mary’s body was formed in the usual manner by her mother and father. Instead, the term “Immaculate Conception” describes how Mary was preserved from the stain of original sin from the first moment of her existence. Every person since Adam and Eve has been born with the stain of original sin, which can be washed away in the cleansing waters of Baptism. Yet, this fallen state never touched the soul of Mary, the new Eve. She was conceived with original sanctity and innocence, escaping all faults, depraved emotions and passions, and remained sinless. She was not exempt from the temporal penalties of

Adam, however — including sorrow. The belief in Mary’s Immaculate Conception has been held by the Church throughout history, though only officially declared a dogma in 1854 by Pope Pius IX. Highly devoted to the Blessed Virgin, Pius IX hoped the official definition would draw emphasis to the already existing belief, thereby inspiring deeper devotion to Mary. This dogma finds its roots in both Scripture and Tradition, and remains consistent with reason and the teachings of our early Church fathers. The Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception is celebrated every year on Dec. 8 and is one of the few declared Holy Days of Obligation on the Church calendar. All Catholics are obligated to attend Mass on this day. Why not make this liturgical feast a special day of devotion? Bring a rose to place before an image of the Blessed Virgin in the church sanctuary, or arrange a little altar at home for your children to decorate. Recite the Magnificat and discuss the Church’s teaching on the Immaculate Conception. Once this beautiful feast is brought alive in our hearts and in our homes, we will never again mistakenly answer that “tricky” question, “What is the Immaculate Conception?”

THE MAGNIFICAT My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit rejoices in God my Savior for He has looked with favor on His lowly servant. From this day all generations will call me blessed: the Almighty has done great things for me, and holy is His Name. He has mercy on those who fear Him in every generation.

He has shown the strength of His arm, He has scattered the proud in their conceit. He has cast down the mighty from their thrones, and has lifted up the lowly. He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich He has sent away empty. He has come to the help of His servant Israel for He remembered His promise of mercy, the promise He made to our fathers, to Abraham and His children for ever.

MUSIC MINISTRIES: Drawing Us into a Prayerful Worship Experience

t. Philip Neri Parish is blessed to have talented musicians in our church family, and as members of the music ministries, they are willing to share their talents with us to help make our worship a more prayerful experience. Linda Liberty, Music Director, is looking forward to having the ministries members step forward in stewardship for the Christmas season. Our Music Ministries consist of our adult choir; the Rejoice Youth Ring and Sing hand chime choir; handbell choir; brass ensemble; pianists; cantors; and our Life Notes contemporary group. Throughout last year, our music ministries were impacted by COVID restrictions. Now, with the COVID numbers improving in the Carolinas, all are looking forward to returning to full music to provide enrichment for the liturgies and to fulfill their call to stewardship. “Through the music, we able to provide an educational experience for the congregation,” Linda says. “For example, I select music that compliments and enhances the scripture readings, and I do that throughout the year, so it all ties together.” Serving in the Music Ministries enables our younger parishioners to grow in understanding

of how meaningful it is to share their talents. Linda has several private piano students, Catholic and non-Catholic, and she encourages them to take part in their own church services. “It’s very important for the kids to give their talents back, regardless of their faith,” Linda says. Linda notes that she was encouraged by her own music teacher — in turn, her efforts to continue this encouragement are a tribute to that teacher. “Stewardship is passed on,” Linda says. “People have to be educated about it. I encourage all my students to get involved in their parishes and churches.” Our Music Ministries will be presenting for our Christmas Masses, with a program slated before the 11 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass. This will include a combination of brass musicians, choir, and handbell choir — they are rehearsing pieces they will play together. An oboe player and flutist will play together on Christmas Eve at 8:00 p.m. During the 4 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass, several piano students will play, as well as the Rejoice Youth Ring and Sing group. Our Life Notes contemporary group will be presenting music at the 6:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Mass.

Anyone interested in joining one of the Music Ministries is encouraged to contact Linda Liberty at 803-548-7282, ext. 249.

St. Philip Neri C AT H O L I C C H U R C H 292 Munn Road East Fort Mill, SC 29715 803.548.7282 saintphilipneri.org

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