Saint Michael Parish December 25, 2016 Rev. Arturo Chagala, Parochial Administrator Mrs. Sue Fritz, Office Manager Sr. Jennie Catanese, M.S.B.T., Receptionist Saint Michael Church Founded 1831
1445 North Second Street Philadelphia, PA 19122 215-739-2358 Fax: 215-739-5766 https://icstmichael19122.wordpress.com/ E-mail st.michaelrcchurch1831@aol.com
Immaculate Conception Church Front & Allen Streets Office hours at Saint Michael Monday-Thursday 9 -4:00 p.m. Friday 9 - 1:00 p.m.
MASS /MISA Sunday 8:30 a.m., 10:00 a.m. (IC) 11:30 a.m. (español) Daily Mass Mon-Fri 8:30 a.m.
Holy Days Noon at Immaculate Conception (IC) CONFESSIONS Saturday 4:15 p.m. to 4:50 p.m. & by request
The Nativity of the Lord Saint Michael Parish has been a viable part of Fishtown/Northern Liberties for 185 years. We continue creating a community where all God’s children are treated with dignity & respect and where faith, hope and love/charity are abound. We welcome all new immigrants and visitors to our parish. La parroquia de Santo Michael ha sido una parte viable de Fishtown/Northern Liberties por 185 años. Continuamos creando una comunidad donde tratamos con dignidad y respeto los niños y donde la fe, la esperanza y el amor/la caridad es abundante. Damos la bienvenida a todos los nuevos inmigrantes y visitantes a nuestra parroquia.
December 25, 2016
The Nativity of the Lord
God has spoken to us through his Son, the Word made flesh. Thus has salivation been revealed to all the nations. MASSES FOR THE WEEK 12/25 The Nativity of the Lord—Christmas Day 10:00 AM For all the People of the Parish 11:30 AM For all the People of the Parish 12/26 8:30 AM 12/27
Monday St. Stephen, the First Martyr For those being persecuted for their Faith
8:30 AM
Tuesday St. John, Apostle & Evangelist For all who Preach the Word of God
12/28
Wednesday
8:30 AM 12/29
8:30 AM 12/30 8:30 AM
The Holy Innocents, Martyrs For all the Children of the Parish Thursday St. Thomas Beccket, Bishop & Martyr For all Parishioners who are ill. Friday The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary & Joseph For all the Families in the Parish
12/31 Saturday New Year’s Eve 7:00 PM (I.C.) Vigil Mass for the Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother Of God 1/1
The Solemnity of Mary, The Holy Mother of God 8:30 AM For the People of the Parish 10:00 AM For the People of the Parish 11:30 AM For the People of the Parish SANCTUARY LIGHTS will burn in the churches this week for Charles Watson at the request of Grace Galaschewski
SUNDAY COLLECTIONS: Due to the holiday printing schedules, this information will appear in a later bulletin. LITURGICAL MINISTERS January 1, 2017 8:30 AM Lector: Walt Daskaluk Euch. Min.: Maria Maldonado 10:00 AM Lector: Abraham Amit Euch. Min.: Maria Tanczak 11:30 AM Lectors: Mercedes Sanchez & Nelly Cintron Euch. Min.: As Available PLEASE PRAY FOR OUR SICK: Sonny Dunbar, Sharon Micenec, Bill & Chris Long, Michael Jordan, Bernadette Murphy Reynolds, Joe & Yvonne Burns, Elaine Ciambella, Carmen Robles, Jim Cassidy, Tom Farrell, Tom Becker, Mary O’Brien, Ray Fenner, John Halgen, Audrey Brown, Edward Campbell, Zoraida Caez, Ann Marie Szewczak, Edward Holmes, Henry Lucier, Sis Clemens, Ralph Berarducci, Maria Rivera, Isabella Lederer, Bianca Mercado, Dorothy Schill, Olga Espada, Hilda Rodriguez, Freddie Nagle, our benefactors, those who have asked for our prayers & those who have no one to pray for them. *********************** A LITTLE BIT OF WISDOM Remember , if Christmas isn’t found in your heart, you won’t find it under the tree.
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New Parishioners/Nuevos Feligreses Welcome. Please call the rectory and make an appointment to register as soon as possible. Bienvenidos. Favor de llamar la rectoría y haga una cita para inscribirse lo mas antes posible. Change of Address/Cambio de Direccion Please notify the parish secretary if you plan to move. Favor de notificar la secretaria de la parroquia si planificas mudarse. Collection Envelopes/Sobres para la colecta Every working person should support the parish by regularly using their envelopes - they can be obtained by calling the rectory or filling out one of the “welcome” envelopes at the entrance of the church. Cada persona de trabajo debe habitualmente apoyar la parroquia usando los sobres—puedes obtenerlos llamando la rectoría o llenando unos de los sobres maracados “bienvenidos” en entrada de la iglesia. . 214-2
December 25, 2016
The Nativity of the Lord
Christmas Day— We wait for it eagerly and with great anticipation , making all kinds of plans and preparations. Yet when it comes it is over before we know it. Or is it? Take a moment to think…. There has never been a birth like the one we celebrate on December 25th. There has never been a gift like the one we receive on December 25th. There has never been such a selfless sacrifice nor such a Love manifested. Yet, it is only given 24 hours of our time, our concern, our attention. Surely such an exalted and rare event deserves more.. …. More reflection, more wonder, more prayer more thanksgiving, more love in return. Christmas Day is not the end but the beginning of another journey. The journey to salvation and sanctification. The Liturgical season of Christmas begins with the vigil Mass on Christmas Eve and concludes on the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord. This year that feast is on Monday, January 9., 2017. During this season, we celebrate the birth of Christ into our world and into our hearts, and reflect on the gift of salvation that is born with him, including the fact that he was born to die for us.
UPCOMING EVENTS … TUESDAY, December 27th Christmas Play at 7:00 p.m. in St. Michael’s Hall TUESDAY, January 3rd The Coming of the Three Kings –7:00 p.m. In St. Michael’s Church and Hall Children are encouraged to write their letter to the Three Kings. All may bring traditional refreshments or food to share. ======================================== MARTES, Diciembre 27 Representation Navideña - 7:00 p.m. en el salon de STM. MARTES, Enero 3rd La llegada de los Tres Reyes Magos—7:00 p.m. en la Iglesia y salon de San Miguel. Animo a los niños a escribir sus cartas para entregárselas a los Reyes. Todos pueden traer comida para compartir.
MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!!!! Best Wishes to you and to your family from all of us here at St. Michael’s—for much peace and joy in this holy season of our Lord’s birth, and for good health and happiness in the New Year!! FELIZ NAVIDAD! Todos nosotros de San Miguel les deseamos a ti y tu familia paz y alegría a abundancia durante este tiempo santo del nacimiento del Nino Jesús, y en el Nuevo Ano buena salud y felicidad! =================================== “THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS” You are probably are all familiar with the song “ The Twelve Days of Christmas". Did you know it was a clever teaching device used in the 16th Century. From 1558 until 1829, Roman Catholics in England were not permitted to practice their faith openly. The song was written to educate the faithful in the doctrines of the faith and yet not be obvious to the persecutors. It has two levels of meaning: the surface meaning plus a hidden meaning known only to members of the Church. The meanings are as follows: The “True love” one hears in the song is Jesus Christ. The “partridge” is Jesus himself, and the “pear tree” is the Cross. The “me” is the individual Catholic. The 2 turtle doves—the Old & New Testaments / or the 2 natures of Jesus The 3 French hens—stood for faith, hope, and love / or the 3 persons in God The 4 calling birds—were the 4 gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, & John The 5 golden rings—represents the first 5 books of the Old Testament , the Torah The 6 geese a-laying—stood for the 6 days of creation /or the 6 commandments of the Church The 7 swans a-swimming—represented the 7 gifts of the Holy Spirit /or the 7 Sacraments The 8 maids a-milking—were the 8 beatitudes The 9 drummers drumming - 9 choirs of angels The 10 Ladies dancing— were the 10 Commandments The 11 pipers piping—for the 11 faithful apostles The 12 Lords a-leaping—12 basic beliefs of the Catholic Church as outlined in the Apostles Creed. As you can see, the song is more than just a haunting melody with nonsensical lyrics. 214-4
December 25, 2016
The Nativity of the Lord
Sunday Scripture Reflections
Domingo Escritura Reflexions .
Reading 1 Isaiah 52:7-10
Lectura 1 Isaías 52:7-10
In this reading, Isaiah imagines the day of deliverance as it draws near; a divine herald announces the arrival of peace and salvation, with God once again ruling in a new Jerusalem as Israel’s true King. Isaiah uses the words “peace” and “salvation” which are laden with significance. “Peace” which means much more than the absence of war, and “salvation” is not limited to heavenly reward. Together, these two terms embrace multiple meanings including : deliverance, rescue, security, wellbeing, health, wholeness, and completeness. The prophet envisions Israel;s God and King acting as redeemer, freeing her from captivity and restoring her as members of God’s family.
En esta lectura, Isaías se imagina que el día de la liberación como dibuja cerca; un divino heraldo anuncia la llegada de la paz y la salvación, con Dios, una vez más, sentencia en una Nueva Jerusalén como verdadero rey de Israel. Isaías usa las palabras "paz" y "la salvación" que están cargadas de significado. "Paz" que significa mucho más que la ausencia de guerra, y la "salvación" no se limita a la recompensa celestial. Juntos, estos dos términos abarcan múltiples significados, incluyendo: la liberación, el rescate, la seguridad, el bienestar, la salud, la integridad y totalidad. El profeta vislumbra Israel;s de Dios y el Rey actúa como redentor, liberándola de cautiverio y restaurando su como miembros de la familia de Dios.
Reading 2 Hebrews 1:1-6 The writer of Hebrews notes that in times past, partial revelation of God’s Word came to Israel, particularly through the prophets. But in Jesus Christ that self-revealing Word appears in all its fullness: the Son is “the very imprint” of God’s being. The writer indicates that anyone who wishes to know the very character of God has only to turn to the Son. The image of “Son” also points to an exact representation of the “Father”, because in Jewish culture a son could stand in the place of his father to communicate or to carry out a task. The author of Hebrews takes pains to insist that “the Son”, the exact representation of God ranks high above any and all other “sons of God.” Gospel John 1:1-18 This Gospel is taken from the beginning of John’s Gospel, but this is not an Infancy Narrative. Instead, John presents the Creation story as the framework for announcing the Incarnation. Each of the Gospels makes clear that Jesus’ birth was the result of God’s initiative. However, John’s Gospel highlights that this was the divine intention from the very beginning, from the moment of Creation. John introduces the main themes that will appear in his Gospel: light/darkness, truth/falsehood, life/death, and belief/unbelief. He also emphasizes that John the Baptist functions as witness giving testimony to “the light”., that is Christ. In no way is he himself the one who reveals God.. John focuses on the identity of Jesus; for him, that identity is the divine Word totally united to full humanity, embodying and so revealing God in the world. The Word of God, John graphically insists, “was made flesh”. John’s Gospel reminds us that through the Incarnation God saves us from the darkness of sin and makes us his children.
Lectura 2 Hebreos 1:1-6 El escritor de Hebreos señala que en tiempos pasados, parcial revelación de la Palabra de Dios vino a Israel, especialmente a través de los profetas. Pero en Jesucristo que auto-reveladora palabra aparece en toda su plenitud: "El Hijo es la huella de Dios". El escritor indica que quien quiera conocer el carácter de Dios sólo tiene que girar al hijo. La imagen de "Hijo" también apunta a una representación exacta del "Padre", porque en la cultura Judía un hijo podía permanecer en el lugar de su padre para comunicarse o para realizar una tarea. El autor de Hebreos se empeña en insistir en que "el Hijo", la representación exacta de Dios ocupa un lugar muy alto por encima de cualquier y todos los demás "hijos de Dios". Evangelio Juan 1:1-18 Este evangelio está tomado del evangelio de san Juan, pero esto no es una infancia narrativa. En su lugar, Juan presenta la historia de la creación como el marco para el anuncio de la Encarnación. Cada uno de los Evangelios deja claro que el nacimiento de Jesús fue el resultado de la iniciativa de Dios. Sin embargo, el Evangelio de Juan pone de relieve que esta era la intención divina desde el principio, desde el momento de su creación. Juan introduce los temas principales que aparecerán en su evangelio: luz/oscuridad, la verdad y la mentira, la vida y la muerte, y la creencia o incredulidad. También destaca que Juan el Bautista funciones como testimonio que dan testimonio de la "luz", que es Cristo. De ninguna manera es él mismo quien revela a Dios. Juan se centra en la identidad de Jesús; para él, esa identidad es la Palabra divina totalmente unidos a plena humanidad, encarnando así revelando a Dios en el mundo. La Palabra de Dios, John gráficamente insiste, "se hizo carne". El evangelio de san Juan nos recuerda que a través de la Encarnación, Dios nos salva de las tinieblas del pecado y nos hace sus hijos 214-3
December 25, 2016 PLEASE NOTE—INSTRUCTIONS REGARDING BAPTISMS: Those wishing to have their children baptized— Classes will be held on the 3rd Saturday of every month, at 11:30 a.m. in the Church Hall.Rectory. The Sacrament of Baptism will take place on the 4th Saturday of every month at 11:00 a.m. in St. Michael’s Church. ======================================== PLEASE NOTE: There will be a Baptism Class on Saturday January 28 at 11;30 a.m.– 1:00 pm in the Church Hall ==================================== Marriage/Matrimonio: Arrangements must be made six months in advance in order to fulfill Diocesan requirements. Debe hacer arreglos seis meses de antemano para cumplir los requisitos diocesanos. Care for the Sick/Cuido para los enfermos In the occasion of an emergency call the rectory immediately. Call the rectory for visits at home to the elderly and infirm or when someone enters the hospital and wishes a visit from the parish priest. En caso de una emergencia llame la rectoría inmediatamente. Para visitas en casa de las personas mayores y enfermas o cuando alguien este en el hospital y desee una visita del sacerdote llame la rectoría..
The Nativity of the Lord THIS WEEK WE CELEBRATE .…. MONDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2016 ST. STEPHEN, THE FIRST MARTYR The first recorded Christian martyr is Stephen. The story of his death is told in the Acts of the Apostles. Stephen had been performing signs and wonders in the name of Jesus Christ, and because of this, was brought before the Sanhedrin. There he delivered a long speech about how Jesus was the fulfillment of all that their ancestors had said and done. The members of the Sanhedrin were furious. They dragged Stephen outside the walls of Jerusalem and stoned him to death. It may seem strange to celebrate a death just one day after celebrating the birth of Christ. But the Church put this feast here on purpose: To teach all Christians that they stake their life on this child born in Bethlehem. TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2016 ST. JOHN,APOSTLE & EVANGELIST John, son of Zebedee and brother of James testifies to what he has seen: Jesus risen from the dead. John authored three letters, the book of Revelation and the most spiritual of the gospels. John was the only Apostle who did not forsake Jesus as He went through His passion and death. He stood faithfully at the foot of the cross when Jesus gave him his mother, Mary. He was the “disciple whom Jesus loved”.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2016 THE HOLY INNOCENTS This feast day commemorates the massacre of the children under two years of age, ordered by King Herod in Sponsorship: In or der to be a sponsor /godpar ent for his attempt to kill the infant Jesus. The massacre of the InnoBaptism or Confirmation and receive a Letter of Eligibil- cents bears witness to the blood of Jesus which cleanses us ity from the Pastor, a person must be a registered member from sin and frees us from death. of the parish for a minimum of 6 months, at least 16 Today we remember to pray for the innocents who years of age, received all the Sacraments through Confir- have perished through abortion, starvation, and war. mation, attending Mass faithfully, and if applicable, married sacramentally. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 29,2016 ======================================== ST. THOMS BECKET, BISHOP & MARTYR Thomas was killed by order of Henry II in 1170. He ATTENTION \was chancellor of England for eight years and as archbishop ALL PARISHIONERS of Canterbury defended the freedoms and rights of the St. Michael’s will have Church. He was canonized only three years after his death & EXPOSITION OF THE is considered the most famous martyr of the Middle Ages. BLESSED SACRAMENT Every Thursday in our Church Following the morning Mass until 1:00 p.m. COME, LET US ADORE!
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2016 THE HOLY FAMILY OF JESUS, MARY & JOSEPH A Model for us all— Family life is rooted in the unconditional love of God as witnessed by the Holy Family. 214-5
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