D e c e m b e r 1 8 , 2 0 1 6 | 4 t h S u n d ay o f A dve n t

SUNDAY MASSES

Saturday 4:00 pm SPV 6:00 pm SJ

Sunday 8:30 am SPV 10:00 am SJ 11:30 am SJ (EF)

DAILY MASSES

SACRAMENT OF

RECONCILIATION

Tuesday 8:00 am SPV Wednesday 5:00 pm SJ Thursday 8:30 am SJ Friday 8:00 am SPV

First Friday 7:00 pm SJ (EF)

Saturday 3:00 pm SPV 5:30 pm SJ

EUCHARISTIC

ADORATION Thursday 9:00 am—5:00 pm SJ Friday 8:30 am—7:00 pm SPV

ST. PIUS V

ST. JOSEPH

Website: www.stpiusvcf.org Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-2:00 pm

Website: www.stjosephmiesville.com Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00 am-1:00 pm

Choices I have heard my good friend Father Paul Treacy say on more than one occasion that “Life is about choices.” He said that were the times when he was faced with a dilemma of deciding between two goods, and choosing one over the other would have negative consequences

from the one not chosen. But he had to choose one or the other.

That is the way of things of the life we live. We are always faced with a choice between one thing or another, and having to live with that choice. Some of the choices may be trivial which the negative consequence is equally as trivial. Other choices can have a profound impact on the direction our lives and the lives of others. Sometimes the choice we face is one which we have to choose between something that seems to be safer than the other with maybe some short-term benefits at first, a choice that is the least point of resistance, but after we committed ourselves to that choice, we come to believe that we are heading in the wrong direction; while the other choice is one which is risky and we see all the pitfalls, we know that criticism and negative consequences will be there on the front-end of the choice, but in the long-run, the impact on both our lives and others will be greatly beneficial. To make that choice requires a great amount of courage, and a great amount of resilience to stick to that choice. More times than not, the choice that requires courage and resilience is the one which we would be doing God’s will.

All three of our readings today are about making choices. The main characters, Ahaz, Paul, and Joseph, were faced with a choice; a choice that had an impact on themselves and others; a choice that required courage; a choice of whether or not to follow the will of God.

In our reading from Isaiah, Ahaz, the king of Judah, was faced with a choice—to side with the Assyrians and their pagan way of life or to trust in the power of God. Now, when the Lord told Ahaz to ask for a sign so he could demonstrate his power to save the house of David, Ahaz refused. He demonstrates some false humility: “I will not ask; I will not tempt the Lord.” Ahaz already made up his mind, to go to the point of least resistance with the Assyrians. In not having the courage to trust in God, Ahaz’s choice contributed to the eventual destruction of Jerusalem and the Babylon exile. God gave Ahaz a sign anyway; and it came to fulfillment in the birth of Jesus Christ. Many of us face hard choices when the law of God seems to conflict with political expediency, personal comfort, or our pleasure. Like Ahaz, we have the choice of whether or not to be faithful.

Paul elaborates to the Romans on the choice he made in following his call to be an apostle, a slave of Jesus Christ. Paul could have easily chosen the least point of resistance in continuing his old beliefs and live comfortably, being respected by the Jewish leaders. Paul had the courage and resilience to follow Christ regardless of the cost; and it led to a martyr’s death. So often, many of us are challenged to make unpopular choices to confront injustice and to speak the truth.

(continued on page 3)

2 From Father Terry

Please Pray For Janean Milliren, Kaye Fischer, David Hedeen, Donny Waltz II, Anastasia Waller, Mike Klimek,

Marge Krause, Mary Kay Hoffman, Diane Schiller, Greg Denn, Dee Ashton, Kory Kochevar, Dave Silvers, Tony Godfrey, Bill Freiermuth, Don Totzke, Jim Sieben, Dick Collins, Floyd, Charles Rother , Mary Kimmes, Mary McGraw, Norma Swanson, Mary Osborn If you know someone that would appreciate prayers for their health and wellness, please call me at the office. Thank You.

Readings & Observances for the Week

December 18

SUNDAY

18 1st Reading Is 7:10-14 2nd Reading Rom 1:1-7 Gospel Mt 1:18-24 4th Sunday of Advent

MONDAY

19 1st Reading Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a Gospel Lk 1:5-25

TUESDAY

20 1st Reading Is 7:10-14 Gospel Lk 1:26-38

WEDNESDAY

21 1st Reading Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a Gospel Lk 1:39-45 St. Peter Canisius, Priest and Doctor of the Church

THURSDAY

22 1st Reading 1 Sm 1:24-28 Gospel Lk 1:46-56 First full day of winter

FRIDAY

23 1st Reading Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 Gospel Lk 1:57-66 St. John of Kanty, Priest

SATURDAY

24

1st Reading 2 Sm 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16/ Gospel Lk 1:67-79 Vigil 1st Reading Is 62:1-5 2nd Reading Acts 13:16-17, 22-25 Gospel Mt 1:1-25 or 1:18-25 Christmas Eve

SUNDAY

25 1st Reading Is 52:7-10 2nd Reading Heb 1:1-6 Gospel Jn 1:1-18 or 1:1-5, 9-14 Nativity of the Lord

Christmas Mass Schedule

St. Pius V—Cannon Falls 4:00 pm & 8:00 pm

St. Joseph—Miesville 4:00 pm & 6:00 pm

St. John—Vermillion 4:00 pm

St. Mathias—Hampton 6:00 pm

St. Mary’s—New Trier 11:30 pm music, Mass at Midnight

Christmas

St. Pius V—Cannon Falls 8:30 am

St. Joseph—Miesville 10:00 am & 11:30 am (EF)

St. John—Vermillion 9:00 am

Confession Schedule

December 18 St. Mary’s, New Trier 2-3 pm

December 20 St. John’s, Vermillion 5:30-6:25 pm St. Pius V, Cannon Falls 6-7 pm

St. Pius V Youth Advent Party Wednesday, December 7 after Mass.

(continued from page 2) Saint Joseph was confronted with a choice. Imagine being committed to someone who on the surface appeared to be unfaithful to that commitment. The emotions of hurt, betrayal, anger, and embarrassment would arise, and it would be reasonable to feel those things. The point of least resistance is to just sever ties all together. Being a just man, Joseph decided to do that quietly, not to cause Mary harm. The Law says that an adulterous woman should be stoned. In doing it quietly and taking the high road, Joseph would have saved Mary from shame and physical harm. But when God’s plan was revealed to him, Joseph, the holy man that he is, chose the more challenging course of action. He took Mary into his home, which sealed the marriage covenant, and adopted Jesus, legally making him from the House of David, fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah coming from the House of David. We are called to be like Joseph, to choose the high road in how we conduct our affairs, in choosing to forgive, in choosing to sacrifice ourselves for a greater good.

Life is about choices, and those choices have an impact. We never truly know the significance of what choices we make. What things do we choose that are usually at the point of least resistance which lead to destruction? Is it doing drugs, or diving home drunk, or gossiping, or lying, or cheating? What things do we do in taking the high road that takes some courage and resilience? Could it be doing what we can in ensuring the integrity of marriage? Or could it be giving life to an unplanned child? Or could it be defending our faith? Or it could even be admitting past wrongs to someone. Life is about choices and those choices make a difference.

We celebrate the birth of Christ next week. This birth came through selfless acts of Mary and Joseph and God. Let the Eucharist help give us the courage to make the selfless choices to do God’s will.—TB

Living as Disciples 3

Fr. Terry’s Weekly Appointments: Monday: Day Off Tuesday: 8:00 AM Mass (St. Pius) 6:00 PM Confessions (St. Pius) Wednesday: 5:00 PM Mass (St Joe’s) Thursday: 9:00 AM Office (St. Joe’s) Friday: 8:00 AM Mass (St Pius) Saturday: 4:00 PM Mass (St. Joe’s) 6:00 PM Mass (St. Joe’s) 8:00 PM Mass (St. Pius) Sunday: 8:30 AM Mass (St. Pius) 10:00 AM Mass (St. Joe’s)

Liturgical Ministers—as you can see there are several open spots. Please call the office if you are able to help. We especially need someone to fill the Sacristan spot for the 4 pm Mass Christmas Eve.

Advent is a time of preparation. Part of that preparation is Reconciliation. There will be an additional time for Reconciliation December 20, 6-7 pm or until all who desire reconciliation are heard. Two priests will be available.

Year End Giving Reminder! In order for you to receive credit for your donation on your 2016 tax return, St. Pius V must receive your donation in 2016 proper. In addition, since December 31 falls on a Saturday this year, we kindly ask that you get any last minute donation (cash, check, stock, IRA transfer, etc.) into the church office no later than Friday, December 30 +

From Life Choice: “Thank you so much for doing the diaper drive. Many Young moms will be blessed by your generosity. What may seem like a simple act can be just the gift that encourages someone to keep going. Life Choice is very thankful this holiday season from all the kindness St. Pius has shown us throughout the years.” Linda Barrett

Thank you to all who participated in the CCW Bake sale, whether you baked, donated ingredients or purchased cookies, you are appreciated. $515 will be set aside to update church decorations.

From Cannon Falls food shelf; “Thank you for your generous donation of 271 pounds of food between Sept 6 and Dec 6. Your generosity helps provide food for those in need in the community.”

Information on those needing energy assistance can be found on the Community Bulletin board in the north stairwell.

The Cannon Falls Rotary club is sponsoring a Home repair Project. They are looking for houses within 30 minutes of Cannon Falls. Pick up information outside the parish office or contact John Wegmann.

Grades 6-12 will be going to Feed My Starving Children in Eagan on Wednesday, January 4. Please have a permission form in to Cindy Meyers for all youth attending. Forms can be downloaded at stpiusvcf.org under FF & YM tabs.

Join us for the Elementary Christmas Program Sunday, December 18 at 10:00 am. Treats following in lower level.

4 St Pius V

PARISH STAFF Parish Office 507-263-2578 Emergency # 651-229-5189

Pastor: Fr. Terry Beeson stogie928@hotmail.com

Deacon: Kevin Downie 507-202-5304 deacon.kmd@gmail.com

Business Administrator: BJ Peters spvparish@gmail.com

Administrative Assistant: Mary Waldschmidt spvparishoffice@gmail.com Director of Religious Ed/Youth Minister: Cindy Meyers spvcfyouth@gmail.com Music Director: Sue Franke-Clark Building & Maintenance: Shawn Carpenter spvmaint@gmail.com Prayer Network: Call the parish office

ST PIUS V PARISH CALENDAR Monday, December 19 Tuesday, December 20 7:15 am Liturgy of the Hour 8:00 am Mass for David Bohnert 6-7:00 pm Reconciliation 6:30 pm Intercessory Prayer Group 6:30 pm Baptism Class Wednesday, December 21 6-7 pm Elementary Faith Formation 7:15-8:30 pm Middle/HS Faith Formation Thursday, December 22 Friday, December 23 8:00 am Mass for † Albert Falk 8:30 am—7:00 pm Eucharistic Adoration 9:00 am Homebound Communion 12:00 pm Parish Office Closed Saturday, December 24 4:00 pm Christmas Vigil Mass for † James A Weber 8:00 pm Christmas Vigil Mass for † Ellen Gall Sunday, December 25 Christmas 8:30 am Christmas Mass for † Eugene A Reinardy

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE Friday, December 23 Homebound Ministers Jim Lorentz, Arlis Burr, John Hommes

Saturday, December 24 4:00 pm Sacristan Open Lector Bob Wernimont Servers Karter & Kendrick Otto, Open Eucharistic Ministers Regina Wernimont, Greg Wojahn, Ray Lopresto, Val Dockter, Joyce Lorentz, Audrey Mattson Ushers Nick Lorentz, Nick Stein, Open Greeters Vince & Judy Conway family

Saturday, December 24 8:00 pm Sacristan Ed & Mary Lorentz Lector Helena Byrne Servers Isaac, Luke & Paul Wright Eucharistic Ministers Greg Magnuson, Jed Magnuson, Ken Meyers, Marian Beissel, Open, Open Ushers Julie Murphy, Ed Lorentz, Open Greeters Bob & Marian Beissel

Sunday, December 25 8:30 am Sacristan Jean Mercier Lector Regan Miller ServersBen Siebenaler, Grace Lorentz, Open Eucharistic Ministers Deacon Kevin, Gerry Miller, Gary & Helen Sigmeth, Paulette Conway, Kathleen Mason Ushers Dustin Hensley, Mike Barrett, Gery Peine Greeters Jim & Paulette Conway

Save your Postage stamps By saving canceled stamps from your incoming mail, you can contribute to the Sisters of the Holy Cross Ministry of the Poor. The sisters will remove the stamps from the envelope paper, sort them and sell them to brokers and collectors. Foreign & US commemorative stamps are the most collective. Proceeds benefit their ministries. Place in the containers with the EconoFood receipts.

Gift Bearers: What an honor it is to carry the wine, hosts and offerings to the priest at Mass for consecration! Any occasion can be a time to serve as a Gift Bearer: a birthday, an anniversary, or just a "happy day." Or maybe you would like to bring up the gifts on the memorial of a loved one. Gift Bearers actively participate in the celebration of the Mass by presenting the gifts of Bread and Wine at the altar and require no special skill or permanent ministerial duty, and yet it is a beautiful and significant part of the Mass performed by lay people. Please sign your name or your family name on the sign up sheets hanging on the wall above the book shelf in the Parish Hall.

Youth/Children envelopes are on the table in the Parish Hall. Please take a box to use for 2017 and write your name, parent's name and envelope # on sheet.

A Big Thank You to Everyone involved in the Live Nativity.

To all those that helped and participated in any way!

God Bless You: Merry Christmas Linda Kocur

Thank you for your donations to Hastings Family Services. With the food donated, we also will be sending a check for $150 to HFS from donations.

Saint Joseph 5

LITURGICAL SCHEDULE Saturday, December 24 4:00 pm Lector Amy Flom Eucharistic Ministers Linda Daley, Jeff Mace, Julie Niebur, Mike Otto Ushers Kent & Christy Mader Servers Jake, Sam & Mia Molitor

Saturday, December 24 6:00 pm Lector Ann Vieths Eucharistic Ministers Sylvia Bauer, Sharon Illa, Al Niebur, Maria Roche Ushers Randy Peine Family Servers Gracie, Kayleigh & Lauren Rohr Rosary Leader Carol Leifeld

Sunday, December 25 10:00 am Lector Judy Foley Eucharistic Ministers Mary Benson, Diane Illa, Mike Milliren, Dan Rohr Ushers Kocur Family Servers Joseph, Tom & William Howell Rosary Leader Alvera Neibur

ST. JOSEPH PARISH CALENDAR

Sunday, December 18 10:00 am Mass for Jerry Weber† 11:30 am Extraordinary Form of the Mass for Hortensia Iznaga† Monday, December 19 Tuesday, December 20 Wednesday, December 21 5:00 pm Mass for Hedy Kelly† NO FF Classes Thursday, December 22 8:30 am Mass for Pat Caneff† 9:00 am—5:00 pm Eucharistic Adoration Friday, December 23 Saturday, December 24 Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Mass for Bernard & Dorothy Stoffel† 6:00 pm Mass for Herb Peine† Sunday, December 25 Christmas 10:00 am Mass for deceased members of the Nick & Marcella Bauer Family 11:30 am Extraordinary Form of the Mass for the Schultz Family

PARISH STAFF Parish Office 651-437-3526 Emergency # 651-229-5189

Pastor: Fr. Terry Beeson ext. 11 stogie928@hotmail.com Deacon: Kevin Downie 507-202-5304 deacon.kmd@gmail.com Business Administrator: Patti Brown ext. 10 stjosephm@embarqmail.com Faith Formation Director: Cathy Roche ext. 24 caroche@embarqmail.com Youth Minister: Claire Kranz clkranz@embarqmail.com Music Director: Heidi Mace hemace@embarqmail.com Buildings Maintenance: Nick Ries Custodian: Mike Otto Cemeterian: Rebecca Susag

COLLECTION December 18, 2016

Envelopes & Plate .......................... $7,096.79 Immaculate Conception ................. $804.00 Retirement Fund for Religious ... $1,295.00 Weekly Projection ........................ $4,385.00 This week’s difference ................. +$3,515.79 Projected year to date ............... $105,240.00 Collected year to date ................ $98,786.06 Under year to date ........................ $6,453.94

Thank you very much!

December 21 & 28—No class

January 4—6:00-7:00 pm Class (K-5) FMSC field trip (6-10) 5:15-8:15 pm

Thank you to all who helped with the production of the Christmas pageant: staff members, catechists, parents, narrator and choir members. Thank you to the parents and students who donated cupcakes or helped with the refreshments. Thank you, everyone who attended the program. Finally, thank you, students, for another great performance!

Thank you for supporting senior religious. A sister from Indiana writes, "Because of your kindness, our elderly sisters will have the comfort, security, and joy of living out their remaining years here in their home. You truly honor them and their many years of service by your generosity." Religious across the United States offer sincere thanks for your generosity to last week's collection for the Retirement Fund for Religious.

Early Bulletin Deadlines: If you have an announcement for the bulletin, please submit to your parish office by 9 am of deadline:

December 25 bulletin due 12/19 January 1 bulletin due 12/23 These are days that LPi require us to submit, so their employees can enjoy the holidays.

The Cannon Falls Rotary club is sponsoring a Home repair Project. They are looking for houses within 30 minutes of Cannon Falls. Pick up information at St. Pius V or at St. Joseph or call John Wegmann.

One of our St. John the Baptist School 3rd grader’s, Piper, presented her report about St Mary Magdalene to her classmates. Notice that she read her notes from a Chromebook computer, while her classmate captured a video of her presentation with another Chromebook computer. Our third graders really had fun adding this technology to their saint project.

6 Youth News

St. Pius V ~ Cannon Falls St. Joseph ~ Miesville Cindy Meyers Claire Kranz

spvcfyouth@gmail.com clkranz@embarqmail.com

Our 16 youth participating in Catholic Heart Work Camp have been busy fundraising for their trip this holiday season. They even got a visit from Santa Claus! If you are interested in helping sponsor a youth, please let us know, and we would be happy to get you connected!

Catholic Heart Work Camp An Opportunity to.... Make a difference by helping others through organized and meaningful service projects Travel and visit another city Overcome the “I’m bored with my faith” blues Learn more about what it means to be a Catholic Increase self-esteem and self worth Be part of the solution to poverty Participate in praise and worship music that rocks Interact with other Catholic young people throughout the country Deepen your faith through the sacraments of Eucharist and Reconciliation Witness your faith to others Re-charge your faith Feel fulfilled and satisfied Take a more active role in your faith Bond with the other youth from your youth group Have a retreat experience Laugh, dance and have fun Be treated with respect by a “youth friendly” organization Do more than listen to a lecture Enhance your resume and college application Fulfill service hour requirements Put your faith into action

Our Parish Community 7

St. Joseph ChurchSt. Joseph ChurchSt. Joseph Church Live NativityLive NativityLive Nativity