celebrate
December 2023 GAZETTE
Peace!
3803 Haines Road North, St. Petersburg, Florida
MONTH HIGHLIGHTS: 7 PEARL HARBOR DAY 7 HANUKKAH 21 FIRST DAY OF WINTER 25 CHRISTMAS DAY 26 KWANZAS
WWW.STOCCC.ORG
LIVE MASS LIVE STREAMING EVERY SUNDAY 10:30 AM
CHURCH CALENDAR Stations of the Cross video is found on the website at: www.stoccc.org
Additional Liturgical Dates for December 3 First Sunday of Advent 7 Memorial of Saint Ambrose, Bishop and Doctor of the Church 8 Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary 10 Second Sunday of Advent 12 Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe 13 Memorial of Saint Lucy, Virgin and Martyr 14 Memorial of Saint John of the Cross, Priest and Doctor of the Church 17 Third Sunday of Advent 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 25 The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) 26 Feast of Saint Stephen, first martyr 27 Feast of Saint John, Apostle and evangelist 28 Feast of the Holy Innocents, martyrs 31 Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph
For Readings Visit: https://bible.usccb.org/
• Book: “PREPARE YOUR HEART” begins in December • December 1, Friday, 6:30 pm, First Friday Mass in the Chapel, Novena to the Sacred Heart of Jesus • December 3, Sunday, 9:45 am, First Sunday of the Month Rosary Prayer • December 3, Sunday, 10:30 am, First Sunday of Advent LIVE STREAM AND MASS • December 6, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook • December 7, Thursday, Hanukkah Begins at Nightfall • December 8, 7:00 p.m., CHRISTMAS CAROLING • December 9, Saturday, 8:00 am, PARKING LOT GANG POPUP • December 9, Saturday, 4:00 pm, HOLIDAY PARTY AT FATHER VICTOR’S HOME • December 10, Sunday, 10:30 am, Second Sunday of Advent LIVE STREAM AND MASS • December 13, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook • December 15, Friday, Hanukkah Ends at Nightfall • December 16, Saturday, 10:00 am, “ADOPT A CLAUSE” Event • December 17, Sunday, 10:30 am, Third Sunday of Advent LIVE STREAM AND MASS • December 20, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook • December 21, Thursday, First Day of Winter • December 22, Friday, 4:30 pm., HOMELESS MEMORIAL MASS • December 24, Sunday, 10:30 am, Fourth Sunday of Advent LIVE STREAM AND MASS • December 24, Sunday, 7:30 pm, CHRISTMAS EVE MASS – The Nativity of the Lord LIVE STREAM AND MASS • December 25, Monday, NO MASS TODAY • December 27, Wednesday, 9:00 am, Morning Mass on Saint Teresa of Calcutta Facebook • December 31, Sunday, 10:30 am, Feast of the Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph LIVE STREAM AND MASS
FELLOWSHIP AFTER MASS:
We are back up with refreshments in the Teresa Room following Mass. Coffee and water, cookies or pastries. There is a sign-up sheet on the wall in the Teresa Room just over the fellowship table. Please write your name on the Sunday for which you want to bring cookies; the church provides drinks. If you have any questions, please contact Cindy Giddens or Paula Thomas Baker
FRIDAY
HAPPENINGS Upcoming Birthday and anniversaries for the month
BIRTHDAYS Michelle Ponce Mazuros 18 Dec Frank Matzelle Baker, Melvin 27 Dec Glisson, Susanna 28 Dec
UP CO Mazuros, Michelle Ponce andMI Christopher Dec. 5th NG Muncy, Shelli and Kelvin BIR December 28, 2019 TH DA Y AN D AN
ANNIVERSARY
Thursday, December 7th We Remember and Honor Pearl Harbor On December 7, 1941, the Japanese military launched a surprise attack on the United States Naval Base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. Since early 1941 the U.S. had been supplying Great Britain in its fight against the Nazis. It had also been pressuring Japan to halt its military expansion in Asia and the Pacific. With the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, the U.S. could no longer avoid an active fight. On December 8, U.S. President Franklin Delano Roosevelt asked Congress for and received a declaration of war against Japan. On December 11, Germany and Italy, allied with Japan, declared war on the U.S. The United States had entered World War II.
Hanukkah Begins at Sundown on Thursday the 7th
Chanukah 2023
5784 חֲ נּוכָּה Hanukkah, the Jewish festival of rededication Chanukah for Hebrew Year 5784 begins at sundown on Thursday, 7 December 2023 and ends at nightfall on Friday, 15 December 2023. Hanukkah (Hebrew: חֲ נֻ ָּכה, usually spelled חנוכהpronounced [χanuˈka] in Modern Hebrew, also romanized as Chanukah or Chanuka), also known as the Festival of Lights, is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple (the Second Temple) in Jerusalem at the time of the Maccabean Revolt of the 2nd century BCE. Hanukkah is observed for eight nights and days, starting on the 25th day of Kislev according to the Hebrew calendar, which may occur at any time from late November to late December in the Gregorian calendar.
Kwanzaa Tuesday, December 26
Kwanzaa, which is observed from December 26 through January 1, is a seven-day celebration of African roots, observed by people of all faith backgrounds, since it's not tied to any religion. Instead, the African American and Pan African holiday is anchored by seven principles known as the Nguzo Saba which aims to inspire Black people to be united, self-determined, accountable for their communities, financially invested in Black-owned businesses, purposeful with their lives, creative and full of faith. “Kwanzaa offers a new dialogue on Black culture, about our positive contributions to the world, and not just the negative stigma of race," says Dr. Adam Clark, an associate professor of theology at Xavier University. Read on to learn more about the principles of Kwanzaa, the meaning of the holiday, the symbolic colors of the candles used, and how you can engage in the traditions. Kwanzaa means “first fruits.” The word Kwanzaa comes from the Swahili phrase “matunda ya kwanza” or first fruits, referring to the agricultural harvest festivals that are found throughout Africa, according to Kelly Navies, specialist of oral histories for the National Museum of African American History and Culture. To read more on: • The holiday originated to reaffirm and restore African heritage and culture. • Kwanzaa is steeped in tradition. • The Kwanzaa candle colors are black, red and green. • Each day of Kwanzaa highlights a specific principle. Please click on the URL below:
More on Kwanzaa
Four Simple Ways to Invite Someone to Church When you’ve been transformed by meeting the Real Jesus, you feel the urge to invite others to experience that same life change. Knowing Jesus has transformed our lives, so the goal of our worship services, from our kids’ environments on up, is to help people know that same love. People are much more likely to attend a church when they’ve received a personal invitation from someone they trust. It can alleviate the anxiety that comes with navigating a new place and the apprehensions many have regarding church. But inviting people to church can feel scary and even awkward sometimes. Here are four simple ways to engage others:
1. Share about your church on social media Social media is where we share about so many aspects of our lives, so why should church not be one of them? In this digital age, social media is a great way to share and connect with others. You can find content to repost or share on our Churches Instagram or Facebook, YouTube.com pages!
2. Send an Invite Text Copy one of these sample texts, fill in the blanks, and invite a friend to Church on the Move. Sample Text: a. Hey, are you going to church anywhere right now? I thought you could join me at St Teresa of Calcutta _______ location this week. Would you be up for going to the ____ service with me?” b. “Hey, are you going to church anywhere right now? I thought you could join me at St Teresa of Calcutt _______ location this week.” (Or, “We could watch online(YOUtube) together at my house this week.”) c. “Hey, would you be up for going to church with me this week? I go to St Teresa of Calcutta where the Love of Jesus is always preached _____ location at [service time].” d. “Hey, my church has some great content on the topic we were talking about this afternoon. Here’s a link [link to our website, STOCCC.COM].”
3. Start a Conversation Resist the urge to correct, belittle church-hurt, or defend your beliefs. Instead, listen for meaning, seek to understand, validate them, care for what people have been through, and have an open/respectful conversation about each other’s beliefs. Conversation Starters: • Did you grow up going to church with anyone? (Explore the topic) • Do you go to church now? Where at? Or why not? (Explore the topic) • Have you ever thought about going again? (Explore the topic) With each question, remember, this is a conversation, not a sales pitch for church. The most important thing is getting to know this person and caring for them.
4. Engage Your Community When we start a conversation, care for, embrace, and reach out to our neighbors, the greeter -Susanna, the check-out clerk, our kids’ teachers, and our coworkers, we open the door for friendship and for opportunities to spread the Gospel. Ways to Engage: • Pray for your neighbors every day as you pass their homes on the way to and from work. • Take every opportunity to show care (bring cookies, write notes). • Ask questions: Resist the urge to make every conversation about you. Ask about their lives first. When you start engaging the people around you, you’ll have more opportunities to share the life and stories of Jesus. Ultimately, don’t forget to tell people in a way that is authentic and rooted in a place of genuine love and care.
Fr Victor Ray, OSF
THANKSGIVING DAY THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 23RD
Heavenly Father, As we gather on this day of Thanksgiving, we remember the words of Holy Scripture that call us to give thanks in all circumstances. Lord, we thank You for the countless blessings You have bestowed upon us, both in times of joy and in times of challenge. We are grateful for the love of family and friends who surround us, for the food on our table, and for the shelter over our heads. Most of all, we thank You for Your presence in our lives, for Your grace, and for the gift of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ.
MONDAY OCTOBER 9TH
1) Time – Live Mass, Live Stream, or in events MEETING (Live or Zoom) HOUSEParticipation OF MINISTRY 2) TalentOCTOBER – Adding Input8 toTH Gazette, SUNDAY, Parking Lot Gang, Inspiring Others, 12:15 etc. TERESA ROOM 3) Treasures – Ensuring Church Meets Its Needs. Online Giving in Website @ stoccc.org or App @ Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Is It One Category Community
Purpose of this Newsletter: One format in which to “Keep the lines of Communication OPEN” and inform the congregation, friends, and guests of Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community of what is happening. SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY STATS: PHYSICAL ADDRESS: 3803 HAINES ROAD NORTH, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33703
MAILING ADDRESS: SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY P.O. BOX 47921, ST. PETERSBURG, FLORIDA 33743
PHONE NUMBER IS: 727-245-0102 Line #1 is the Church Office Line #2 is Father Victor Ray Line #3 is Prayer Request Line #4 is Healing Ministry
Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community Existing Ministry Teams: HOUSE OF MINISTRIES Moderator: William Schwartz Assistant Moderator: Michelle Mazuros Financial: Jon Laubscher Advertising: Michelle Mazuros Card Ministry: Paula Thomas Baker Decorations: Cindy and Dennis Giddens, Susanna Glisson Hospitality: Paula Thomas Baker, Cindy Giddens Liturgical: Alexandra Kahn Media: William Schwartz Outreach: Cindy Giddens Parking Lot Gang: Shelli and Kelvin Muncy, Frank Matzelle Welcome: Susanna Glisson Immediate Needed Ministries: Records Keeper Planning Marketing Future Goals Mats Ministry
Pastor is Father Victor Ray HOUSE OF TRUSTEES President: William Schwartz Vice President: Michelle Mazuros Treasurer: Jon Laubscher Legal: Catherine E. Blackburn, Esquire If anyone is interested in participating in an Existing Ministry, please contact the Ministry Leader. If anyone is interested in Leading any of the Immediate Needed Ministries, Please contact Father Victor Ray or William Schwartz. Remember that Saint Teresa of Calcutta Catholic Community follows the principles of: TIME TALENT TREASURE
FACEBOOK AT FACEBOOK.COM/ST. TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY YOUTUBE AT SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY TWITTER AT STOCCC2 INSTAGRAM AT STOCCCLOVE APP AT SAINT TERESA OF CALCUTTA CATHOLIC COMMUNITY You can easily connect to all, on our Website: www.stoccc.org
Bring A Friend! Live Mass/Live Stream Every Sunday at 10:30 am Chapel at SAFETY DURING THIS PANDEMIC IS OUR PRIMARY CONCERN. ELECTRONIC MEDIA IS AVAILABLE.
3803 Haines Road North St. Petersburg, FL 33703
Thank You, as always, for taking time out to read this recent STOCCC Gazette. Please “Pass It On” so that others will find out what we are all about. This is your Gazette so if there is anything that you would like for me to put in, just let me know! Send all inquiries to: media.stoccc@gmail.com. Until Next Time, Follow the Holy Spirit and remember what.
Saint Teresa says, “Spread Love everywhere you go. Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier”!