Attn: Bulletin Editor and Parish Vocations Committee Vocation Bulletin Blurbs

December 2018/Cycle C First Sunday of Advent – December 2, 2018 “May the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all.” The call to live in love may be as a priest, religious or deacon. Do you know of someone or are you yourself called to live this way. If so, call Fr. Christopher Luoni, Vocation Director at (330) 744-8451, or email: cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org. Second Sunday of Advent -- December 9, 2018 “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work in you will continue to complete it until the day of Christ Jesus.” In God’s plan for the world, he has a special mission for all of us. Consider that your mission could be as a deacon, religious or priest. Once you know this mission, pray for the courage to follow it. For more information, call Fr. Christopher Luoni, Vocation Director at (330) 744-8451, or email: cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org. Third Sunday of Advent -- December 16, 2018 “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God” It is in prayer that we ask for guidance and listen to the word that God gives us. During this Advent time of preparation, make your prayer such that you seek the way of God for your life. Could this way be in service to the Church? For more information call Fr. Christopher Luoni, Vocation Director at (330) 744-8451, or email: cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org. Fourth Sunday of Advent -- December 23, 2018 “Blessed are you who believed that what was spoken to you by the Lord would be fulfilled." Mary said “yes” without hesitation and bore the child Jesus. Is God calling you to say “yes” to religious life, priesthood or the diaconate? If so, please call Fr. Christopher Luoni, Vocation Director at (330) 744-8451, or email: cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org. Christmas -- December 25, 2018 “All things came to be through him, and without him nothing came to be...” It is through the child Jesus that we find all goodness and are invited to bring that goodness to the world. Could that call be in service to the Church? To find out more, call Fr. Christopher Luoni (330) 744-8451, or email at cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org. Holy Family -- December 30, 2018 The Holy Family is for us the model for all families. Parents are the first teachers of the faith. As parents, have you shown by word and example the way to follow Christ? Have you encouraged your children to consider a vocation to the priesthood or religious life? For more information contact Fr. Call Christopher Luoni (330) 744-8451, or by email: cluoni@youngstowndiocese.org.

Vocation General Intercessions

December 2018/Cycle C First Sunday of Advent -- December 2, 2018 That all those now discerning their vocations will be alert and responsive to the invitation of Christ to follow him in love, we pray to the Lord. Second Sunday of Advent -- December 9, 2018 That the Lord, who is beginning the good work of choosing from among us men and women to follow Him as priests, deacons, religious sisters and brothers, will bring it to completion through our prayers and sacrifices, we pray to the Lord. Third Sunday of Advent -- December 16, 2018 For men and women called by the Lord to be messengers of salvation as priests, deacons and in the consecrated life, that Christ’s peace will guard their hearts and minds as they proclaim the good news of salvation, we pray to the Lord. Fourth Sunday of Advent -- December 23, 2018 That the faithful response, “Behold, I come to do your will, O Lord,” will be voiced by each person discerning a call to serve Christ as a priest, deacon, sister or brother, we pray to the Lord. Christmas -- December 25, 2018 That like Mary who pondered the mystery of Jesus’ birth, Catholic families will pray for and treasure vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life among their children, we pray to the Lord. Holy Family -- December 30, 2018 For all Catholic families, that they will support the grace of each child’s vocation and prayerfully encourage their children to consider being a priest, religious sister or brother, we pray to the Lord.

Stewardship Bulletin Inserts for December 2018 English and Spanish

December 2, 2018 - 1st Sunday of Advent “But when these signs begin to happen, stand erect and raise your heads because your redemption is at hand.” (LUKE 21:28) We celebrate Advent each year in preparation of the birth of Jesus, His first coming, as we await his second coming. In this Advent season, use the sacrament of Reconciliation to strengthen your relationship with Jesus. It’s never too late. December 9, 2018 - 2nd Sunday of Advent “And this is my prayer: that your love may increase ever more and more in knowledge and every kind of perception, to discern what is of value…” (PHILIPPIANS 1:9-10) Glittery holiday ads can blind us to our stewardship values and distort our needs and wants. It is important that during this season of endless buying we remember that each of us also has the need to give back to God and to those that are in need. December 16, 2018 - 3rd Sunday of Advent “Have no anxiety at all, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, make your requests known to God.” (PHILIPPIANS 4:6) St. Paul reminds us that our God is an abundant God, the ultimate giver of gifts. He promises to give us all that we need. When we trust that God will take care of us, it is easier for us to share what we have been given. December 23, 2018 - 4th Sunday of Advent “For behold, when the voice of your greeting came to my ears, the babe in my womb leaped for joy.” (LUKE 1:44) When you hear the scripture readings and Gospel reading each Sunday, do you “leap for joy?” If not, don’t blame the lecturer or priest, rather look inside yourself. Do you prepare for Mass each week or do you just show up and expect to be entertained? We are called to be active participants, not passive by-standers. December 30, 2018 - Feast of the Holy Family “See what love the Father has given us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” (1 JOHN 3:1) During this season of giving, let us remember the most important gift we have received – being children of God. As God’s children, it’s important that we express our love for others as well. Tell your spouse, children and other family members and friends that you love them, frequently.

Stewardship Bulletin Inserts for December 2018 English and Spanish (Continued)

2 de diciembre de 2018 - Primer domingo de Adviento "Pero cuando estas señales comiencen a suceder, manténganse erguidos y levanten la cabeza porque su redención está próxima" (LUCAS 21:28). Celebramos el Adviento cada año en preparación del nacimiento de Jesús, su primera venida, mientras esperamos su segunda venida. En esta temporada de Adviento, usa el sacramento de la Reconciliación para fortalecer tu relación con Jesús. Nunca es demasiado tarde. 9 de diciembre de 2018 - Segundo domingo de Adviento "Y esta es mi oración: que tu amor aumente cada vez más en el conocimiento y en todo tipo de percepción, para discernir qué es lo valioso..." (FILIPENSES 1: 9-10 Los anuncios de vacaciones relucientes pueden cegarnos sobre nuestros valores de corresponsabilidad y distorsionar nuestras necesidades y deseos. Es importante que durante esta temporada de compras sin fin, recordemos que cada uno de nosotros también tiene la necesidad de devolver a Dios y dar a quienes lo necesitan. 16 de diciembre de 2018 - Tercer domingo de Adviento "No sean ansiosos, sino que en todo, mediante la oración y la petición, con acción de gracias, hagan conocer sus peticiones a Dios" (FILIPENSES 4: 6) San Pablo nos recuerda que nuestro Dios es un Dios abundante, el máximo dador de dones. Él promete darnos todo lo que necesitamos. Cuando confiamos en que Dios nos va a cuidar, es más fácil compartir lo que se nos ha dado. 23 de diciembre de 2018 - 4º domingo de Adviento "Porque cuando la voz de tu saludo llegó a mis oídos, el niño saltó de alegría en mi vientre " (LUCAS 1:44) Cuando escuchas las lecturas de las Escrituras y la lectura del Evangelio todos los domingos, ¿"saltas de alegría"? Si no, no culpes al profesor o al sacerdote, sino mira dentro de ti. ¿Te preparas para la Misa cada semana o simplemente te apareces y esperas que te entretengan? Estamos llamados a ser participantes activos, no pasivos. 30 de diciembre de 2018 - Fiesta de la Sagrada Familia "Mira qué amor nos ha dado el Padre, que seamos llamados hijos de Dios; y así lo somos" (1 JUAN 3: 1) Durante esta temporada de dar, recordemos el regalo más importante que hemos recibido: ser hijos de Dios. Como hijos de Dios, es importante que expresemos nuestro amor por los demás también. Díle con frecuencia a tu cónyuge, hijos y otros familiares y amigos, que los amas.

Office of Pro‐Life, Marriage & Family Life Bulletin Announcements

Please include these announcements in your bulletin throughout the month of December, as appropriate. Hope and Healing is Available

Jesus came for all of us and knows our pain. There is Hope and Healing from abortion. For CONFIDENTIAL help contact Project Rachel of N.E. Ohio at 888-259-4806 or support@projrachneo.zohosupport.com. Two Masses for Life Scheduled this January 2019 Each year in January we recall the infamous Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade that effectively legalized abortion on demand throughout the United States. Our diocese hosts two Masses for Life as a prayerful reminder that we “must protect and nurture human life at every stage of its existence.” Bishop Murry will preside at the Masses for Life on: - Sunday, January 13, at Noon at St. Paul Parish, North Canton (241 S. Main St.), and - Sunday, January 20, at 4:00 pm at St. Columba Cathedral, Youngstown (154 W. Wood St.). Each Mass for Life will include a Blessing of Children in the Womb and will be followed by a reception. All are welcome – no reservations needed. For more information contact dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext.272. Defend the Unborn! Join the March for Life on January 18, 2019 Buses are being organized in various locations throughout the Diocese of Youngstown to take pilgrims to the annual March for Life in Washington, D.C. To find a bus near you contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744- 8451, ext.272. The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide at St. Paul Parish North Canton The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide will be offered on Wednesday Evenings, February 20, 27, March 20, 27, April 3, 10, 17, 24, May 1, 8, 15 & 29 from 7:00 to 9:00 pm at St. Paul Parish, 241 S. Main St., North Canton in the North Room (lower level of the Church). The Catholic’s Divorce Survival Guide is a DVD-based series with accompanying materials created to bring hope and healing to divorced and separated Catholics. In addition to top Catholic experts on Church teachings, relationships, love, sex, marriage, divorce and annulment, the presentations also feature the personal testimonies of twelve divorced Catholic men and women who share their real-life stories of hope and healing. No cost. To ensure your space or to learn about additional ministry to the divorced contact the Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life at dschmidt@youngstowndiocese.org or 330-744-8451 ext.272.

Advent 2018 Resources for Discussion and Reflection Prepared by the Lutheran-Catholic Covenant Commission of the Northeastern Ohio Lutheran Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America & Catholic Diocese of Youngstown

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First Sunday of Advent, December 2 Jeremiah 33: 14-16

1 Thessalonians 3:12-4:2 Luke 21:25-28, 34-36

As we enter into this holy season, our readings remind us that at the same time as we are preparing our hearts to celebrate that God became one of us, we are also opening our hearts to recognizing the Lord when he is with us here, and readying our hearts to meet God face to face. Jeremiah reminds us that the Lord is about justice and fulfillment of promises. Paul calls forth in us an abundance of love so as to grow in holiness and readiness for the coming of the Lord. Jesus challenges us that in the midst of dismay, perplexity, and fright, we are to hold our heads up trusting in our salvation. REFLECT:

• How do I keep myself from complacency or even despair in times of trouble? • How do I allow God to increase my love for all people? • How can I make use of Advent time to keep myself focused on God’s presence in and around

me? ____________________________________________________________________________________

Second Sunday of Advent, December 9 Baruch 5:1-9

Philippians 1:4-6, 8-11 Luke 3:1-6

Baruch rouses Jerusalem to “look east,” to see that God fulfills his promises of joy, mercy, and justice. Paul prays that love may increase in us so that we see what is truly valuable. John the Baptist exhorts us to prepare to see our salvation. REFLECT:

• How do I keep my eyes trained on the things of God the prophets point to: mercy, justice, peace, and love?

• How do I increase my gratitude and joy for what God is doing in me and in others? • How can I make use of Advent time to open my eyes wider to the way of the Lord?

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Advent 2018 (Continued) Resources for Discussion and Reflection

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Third Sunday of Advent, December 16 Zephaniah 3:14-18a

Philippians 4:4-7 Luke 3:10-18

All three readings speak joyfully of the good news. Zephaniah encourages us to leave fear behind in favor of joy. Paul emboldens us to replace all anxiety with thanksgiving. John the Baptist challenges us to exchange collecting with sharing. All this because the Lord, our God, “is in our midst,” “is near,” “is coming.”

• How do I heighten my joy in the Lord’s nearness? • How do I make my kindness known to all? • How can I make use of Advent time to share all I have and be satisfied?

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Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 23 Micah 5:1-4

Hebrews 10:5-10 Luke 1: 39-45

Here we are, quite close to our celebration that the Lord took flesh and became one of us. Excitement and awareness build of God’s care and love for us. Micah promises that God, who is peace, shall strengthen us all. The Letter to the Hebrews repeats twice that Christ came into the world to do the will of God. And Elizabeth marvels loudly at the nearness of the Lord.

• How do I deepen my sense of wonder at what God has brought about? • How has an Advent spent in reflection on the word of God made a difference to my awareness

of blessedness in my life? • How can I carry God’s peace with me through the coming year?

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For more prayers, resources, and information on the history of the Lutheran Catholic Covenant, visit: www.lccovenant.weebly.com

Visit the website of the Northeastern Ohio Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America: www.neos-elca.org

Visit the website for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown: www.doy.org

A special service of Lessons and Carols will be held at St. Jude Church in Columbiana (180 7th St.) on Sunday, December 9th, at 4:30 pm. This service will include the beautiful music of Advent and Christmas performed by soloists, choirs and instrumentalists. The children of the 3rd grade CCD will also depict the Christmas story. Refreshments will be served after the service in the hall. There is no charge for this program but a free will offering will be taken to help defray expenses. Mark your calendars for this day and time to experience the beauty of the Advent and Christmas music of this special season.

BULLETIN ANNOUNCEMENT

OUR LADY OF GUADALUPE CELEBRATION All clergy, employees and families are invited to the Solemn Mass for Our Lady of Guadalupe Feast on Wednesday December 12th, 2018 at St. Columba Cathedral at 6:00pm. Music for the Mass will be provided by the St. Cecilia Mariachi Band from Painesville, Ohio. After Mass there will be a reception in St.Columba Hall with Mariachi, piñata, food and prizes for children wearing the best cultural outfits related to this holy day. CELEBRACIÓN A NUESTRA SEÑORA DE GUADALUPE Invitamos a todos los clérigos, empleados y familias a la Misa solemne por la fiesta de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe el Miércoles 12 de Diciembre del 2018 en la catedral de St. Columba a las 6:00pm. La música para la Misa será proveída por el Mariachi Santa Cecilia de Painesville, Ohio. Después de la Misa habrá una recepción en el salón de la catedral, con Mariachi, piñata, comida y premios para los niños que lleven el mejor vestido relacionado a ese día especial.