Saint Mary Parish

250 Kraft Street, Berea, Ohio 44017-1499

Rectory: 440-243-3877 • FAX: 440-891-9417 • Website: www.stmaryberea.org

Celebrating 165 years of Pastoral Service to the Catholic Community of Berea

Third Sunday in Advent

December 17, 2017

With great joy, we the people of St. Mary WELCOME Bishop

Perez as he joins us for Mass this

weekend at 9:30am with all our

2nd

and 8th Grade Sacramental

Candidates and their Families.

And if you haven’t heard there is a

Family Pancake Breakfast to fol-

low in the Fr. Garrity Center for

EVERYONE!

The Knights of Columbus have been busy in the preparation and will

be ready to SERVE BREAKFAST. Students are helping and it will be a

great JOY-FUL Day to celebrate!

BTW: Bishop will be joining us AND talking to our 2nd

Graders as they take the final

steps for First Reconciliation in January! C’mon over EVERYONE!

Art & Environment “elves” are beginning the process to decorate on

Thursday December 21st at 6:00 pm – in Church

AND

Sunday Morning, December 24th at 10:30am – in Church!

A REMINDER: SCHEDULE for NEXT WEEKEND and CHRISTMAS!

SATURDAY December 23rd Mass is at 4pm

Confessions are at 3pm

SUNDAY, December 24th, Masses are at 7:30am and 9:30am

NO 11:30am Mass on Sunday Morning, December 24th

SUNDAY, December 24th, Christmas Eve Masses are at

4:00pm, 6:00pm and 10:00pm!

MONDAY, December 25th, Christmas Day Masses are at

9:30am and 11:30am

Monday, January 1st, 2018 New Year’s Day is NOT a Holy Day of Obligation this year

and there will be only ONE MASS on New Year’s Day Morning at 9:30am!

I am THANKFUL for your Grateful Giving to the Parish this Season. May we truly re-

flect joy an thanksgiving in all we do in Grateful LIVING! Many blessings!

Fr. John

http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjj79qb9crXAhWnhlQKHcqdBKcQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fhopechurchrca.org%2Findex.php%2Fthird-sunday-of-advent-dec-15%2F&psig=AOvVaw12F_3YnlqYy5gwdJvuB7So&ust=151118893920608http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwi46cWPgoLYAhUIleAKHXvLC1sQjRwIBw&url=http%3A%2F%2Flicatholic.org%2Fpope-appoints-bishop-perez-to-lead-diocese-of-cleveland%2F&psig=AOvVaw2zRiWmaZcGcgZsFVlXGE_7&ust=1513

Monday December 18 Late Advent Weekday Jer 23:5-8 / Mt 1:18-25 (194) 9:00 am Gilbert Cole Fay Sliwa Tuesday December 19 Late Advent Weekday Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a / Lk 1:5-25 (195) 9:00 am Eileen Pappas Family 1:50 pm School Mass Wednesday December 20 Late Advent Weekday Is 7:10-14 / Lk 1:26-38 (196) 9:00 am Donald Boll Boll Family Thursday December 21 Late Advent Weekday Sg 2:8-14 or Zep 3:14-18a / Lk 1:39-45 (197) 9:00 am Maria Cole Fr. Max Friday December 22 Late Advent Weekday 1 Sm 1:24-28 / Lk 1:46-56 (198) 9:00 am William B. Nicholson, Sr. Jane Savinsky

Saturday December 23 Late Advent Weekday Mal 3:1-4, 23-24 / Lk 1:57-66 (199) 4:00 pm Mike Surma Wife Sunday December 24 Fourth Sunday of Advent 2 Sm 7:1-5,8b-12,14a,16 / Rom 16:25-27 / Lk 1:26-38 (11) 7:30 am Priest Intention 9:30 am Priest Intention Christmas Eve 4:00 pm Priest Intention 6:00 pm Priest Intention 10:00 pm Priest Intention

Mass Schedule and Intentions

Homebound Ministry Our Homebound Parishioners are very important to us and we want to make sure their spiritual needs are being met. If you or a friend or family member are homebound and unable to attend Mass, we would like to bring the Eucharist to you in your home. Please call Diana Lipfird, the Home-bound Parishioner Coordinator, at 532-9491 or e-mail her at dlipfird@gmail.com. We will set up a time and day for the Ex-traordinary Minister to visit that best fits your schedule. If you are an Extraordinary Minister and would like to be part of our team of taking Communion to the homebound, please call Diana at 440-532-9491.

Collection for 12/10/17: $13,811.50

Thank you!

Weekend Collection

Please remember in prayer all who are ill or homebound, especially the following:

Jackie Ayala Maggie Armstrong Donna Baker Mary Anne Bialosky William Conroy Chris Copenhaver Owen Dumm Jim Duncan Chuck Duncan Michael Figlar Brian Follen Joan Foust Betty Glynn Gerry Grant

Wayne Goforth Katie Halley Bob & Betty Hardman Mark Hill Dennis Jamiot Karen Kljun Jim & Louise Knapik Les Lindenmeier Rob Lucas Karen M. Joseph McLaughlin Tom Nicolay Shem Miller Leo Oblak James Rollin Mary Elizabeth Ryba John Serrao Jeanine Surma Chester Talarczyk

Bulletin Prayer List

“Allow God to make future plans

The future is not in our hands. We

have no power over it. We can act only

today. We have a sentence in our Consti-

tutions that says: “. . . We will allow the

good God to make plans for the future—

for yesterday has gone, tomorrow has

not yet come and we have only today to

make Him known, loved and served” (No. 22). Our Lord

told us not to fret about tomorrow, which is in God’s hands.

So we do not worry about it. Then Jesus is the same yester-

day, today and tomorrow. Jesus is the same. He is the same

today and tomorrow, and only He matters.

Excerpted from: Love: A Fruit Always in Season Daily Meditations by Mother

Teresa (Ignatius Press 1987)

Mother Teresa

In Your Charity

In your charity, please remember the

repose of the soul of Dennis Burke

May he rest in eternal peace.

Wedding Banns

Timothy Gnezda & Lisa Syroney

December 30, 2017

Bible Study, Faith Sharing & Quiet Prayer

For the Month of December, there will be NO:

Bible Study Quiet Prayer

12 Step Spirituality Prayer Shawl

Monday, December 18 9:30am - Chapel Rosary 7:15pm - Chapel Rosary Tuesday, December 19 9:30am - Chapel Rosary 5:30pm - Church Youth Choir 7:30pm - Church Traditional Choir Wednesday, December 20 9:30am - Chapel Rosary 7:00pm - Chapel Liturgy of the Hours Thursday, December 21 9:30am - Chapel Rosary 12:00pm - FJG Mtg Rm Tri-City Seniors Pinochle Club Friday, December 22 Saturday, December 23 2:30pm - Church Confessions Sunday, December 24 - Christmas Eve 7:30am - Church 4th Sunday Advent Mass 9:30am - Church 4th Sunday Advent Mass 4:00pm - Church Vigil Christmas Mass 6:00pm - Church Vigil Christmas Mass 10:00pm - Church Vigil Christmas Mass

Parish Events

Anniversary Wishes

If you will be having a wedding anniversary in the month of December and would like your names listed in the bulletin, please call the parish office (440) 243-3877 or email jabraham1@stmaryberea.org

Jeffrey & Diana Tichy December 3rd - 29 years Chuck & Sue Scanlon

December 27th - 48 years Joe & Pat Politsky

December 28th - 49 years

Why not start the new year with a prayer

for peace? At Fatima in 1917, the Blessed

Mother requested that rosaries be prayed

daily for peace and the salvation of souls.

Since 2002, our parish has had a “traveling”

statue of Mary, which is taken to different

homes in our parish.

You can sign up to take the statue to your home for a week.

A sign-up sheet and the statue will be in the chapel, off the

church vestibule, from Saturday December 16th to Saturday

December 23rd. Let’s all pray for a Happy New Year in

2018.

Traveling Statue of Mary

Men of the parish - make 2018 the BEST year possible! Be-come a “Knight Before Christmas” and join other Catholic men in building the domestic Church while strengthening our parish! Contact Grand Knight, Steve Hupp today for more information or membership application (440) 239-0057 or stevenhupp@hotmail.com

Knights of Columbus: 3rd Annual “Reverse Raffle” Saturday 1/20/18 - Parish Hall at St. Mary of The Falls Grand Prize - $1,500 Tickets: $45.00 Contact John Mayher at (440) 342-7362 or mayherjohn@aol.com

“March for Life”: Friday - 1/19/18 in Washington D.C. Join fellow Knights & former Parochial Vicar Fr. Greg Schaut for this incredible faith-filled experience. Will depart Cleveland, Thurs-day 1/18/17 and arrive for mass Friday morning at the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception.

Why, Who and What is a Deacon?

As I have served at St. Mary’s now for about 6 months, many people have asked me what the permanent di-aconate is all about, how I got here and what it’s like. So I thought I would provide some info over the next few weeks in our bulletin.

While the order of Deacon began in the ancient Church, the Second Vatican Council restored the vocation of the Permanent Deacon. Deacons are called to embody the Servant Heart of Jesus and are ordained by a Bishop through the sacrament of Holy Orders.

Each deacon has a primary assignment in a parish but deacons are ordained for the service of the diocese with the Bishop making that appointment based upon par-ish needs and the deacon’s charisms and skills. The Deacon ministers in the parish and is then supervised by the Pastor. Under the current policy (which of course, is always subject to change), my assignment here is for 6 years (which could be renewed for another 6 years). So – the parish might be “stuck” with me for a long time…… ☺

The formation process for the Permanent Diaconate consists of a one year Aspirancy Period where the men, our wives and families discern this vocation calling while the Church too discerns the authenticity of this calling. Aspirants then petition the Bishop for admis-sion into Candidacy which continues for four more years. During this five year period, we are formed through academic classes, spiritual direction and min-istry experiences in parish life. And mostly impor-tantly – through A LOT of PRAYER!

If you have any questions about Permanent Deacons or may even know someone considering this vocation, PLEASE let me know.

Blessings to you and your family! Deacon Tom

From the Desk of Deacon Tom..

Music Ministry and Liturgy Notes

By Angela Kovacs Director of Music and Liturgy

REJOICE!

Rejoice! Again, we say, rejoice! The third week of Advent is Gaudete Sunday; we light the rose calendar which symbolizes

joy in our waiting for Christ. We can also be excited (or at least I am!) that winter weather and snow has finally caught up to

us, and the forecast shows a white Christmas Day. I hope that you have all finished your Christmas shopping, card sending,

and have some time to breathe before the big day! Or maybe you get excited with doing everything last minute. In any case,

let our hearts bound with joy for the coming of our newborn king!

As you may remember from last year, St. Mary’s Music Ministry will be performing a hymn festival on Epiphany Sunday,

January 7, at 3.pm. This means that we need YOU to come help and sing a long as we discover the story of Jesus’ coming

through song, scripture, and spiritual reflection. There will be beautiful organ and instrumental music, and even a cookie re-

ception afterwards! If you weren’t able to come last year, I highly suggest that you do this year, and bring your family and

friends! It really is a wonderful experience that you won’t want to miss as the final bookend to the Christmas season.

Choir Rehearsal Schedules: Traditional Choir meets to rehearse on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. Youth Choir also rehearses

on Tuesdays at 5.30pm. If you are interested in participating in any of these choirs, cantoring, or playing an instrument dur-

ing mass, please call or see Ms. Angela Kovacs after mass up in the loft. The Music Ministry office number is 440.243.3877

ext 27.

Mass Lector Cantor Extraordinary Ministers Servers 4pm L Durica P Ponstingle (H) Deacon Tom, G Butcher, S Butcher C Snyder (C) R Sillasen, B Sillasen, J Hupp S Scanlon, C Scanlon A Smith 7:30am D Reeves K Zanotti (H) J Mastandrea, A Mastandrea, F Sliwa J P Mastandrea (C) D Grospitch, B Draves, J Mastandrea Deacon Tom, M Dole T Duldner 9:30am T Morgan D Kollar (H) P Hultquist, C Rose, Deacon Tom A Jones (C) B Cully, D Lipfird, C Snyder C Scanlon, M A Deimling E Garr Christmas Eve 4:00pm J Pae M Columbro (H) V Dober, M Dober, M Olsen A Soltis (C) M Feigi, C Causey, A Soltis P Hickey, D Hickey A Kulwicki 6:00pm J Haas P Hickey (H) Deacon Tom, R Straub, M E Nichols C Beatty (C) S Lewis, J Savinsky L Alton A Beatty, D Beatty I Crespo 10:00pm K Zanotti M Reid/S Ward (H) C Scanlon, T Morgan, M B Morgan A McGinty (C) R Laneve, K Laneve, M Laneve R Davenport, Deacon Tom E Davenport Christmas Day 9:30am G Irvin J Schwarz (H) M A Deimling, J Irvin, D Grospitch J Draves (C) C DiSanto, B Draves, M Waters R Sillasen, B Sillasen J Waters 11:30am L Durica K Zanotti (H) P Hultquist, R Koehl, D Sawyer A Satow (C) B Hunter, L Sullivan, B Satow D Bajc, J Bajc J McArdle

Fourth Sunday of Advent - Weekend of December 24th / Christmas - December 25th

Ministry Schedules

Family Perspective

John the Baptist was a man of faith “sent by God to testify to

the Light so that all might believe.” Men: when others see

you as a brother, son, husband, uncle, stepfather, or grandfa-

ther, what do they learn from you about caring, responsibil-

ity, commitment, nurturing and love? Are you a witness to

the Light?

Religious Education News

To find all the upcoming activities for both PSR and Sacramental Prepa-ration join us at our parish website (www.stmaryberea.org). Select “Teaching” from the top category bar, then select “Religious Education Office”. Make us a favorite!

PSR

Calendar of Events 12/17/2017 – 10:30am – Fr. Garrity Center – First Sacraments Session #3 (Breakfast with the Bishop) - 6:00pm – Fr. Garrity Center – Confirmation Session #3 12/18/2017 – 6:45pm – St. Mary School - PSR in Session 1st Semester is complete 1/08/2018 – 6:45pm – St. Mary School – 2nd Semester Begins; PSR in Session 1/13/2018 – 9:00am - St. Mary Church – 1st Reconciliation (PSR) 1/15/2018 – NO PSR (Martin Luther King Holiday) 1/20/2018 – 9:00am – St. Mary Church – 1st Reconciliation (SMS)

Our PSR 1st Semester ends on December 18th. Progress Evaluations will be emailed to parents during the Christmas Holiday break. This Evaluation is intended to provide parents with an idea of how their stu-dent is growing in their faith development.

Sacramental Preparation Please remember to turn in any missing documentation (Baptism Record, Discipleship Sheet, Sacramental fees) as soon as possible. Without this documentation you will not be allowed to receive the Sacrament.

Calendar of Events December 17, 2017 - 9:30am – Sacramental Sunday Mass - 10:30am - First Sacraments Session 3

(Parish breakfast with Bishop Perez) - 6:00pm - Confirmation Session 3 January 13, 2018 - 9:00am – First Reconciliation (PSR) January 20, 2018 - 9:00am – First Reconciliation (SMS) January 21, 2018 - 9:30am – Sacramental Sunday Mass - 10:30am - First Sacraments Session 4 - 6:00pm - Confirmation Session 4 February 16, 2018 - 5:00pm – Confirmation “Social” Event February 18, 2018 - 9:30am – Sacramental Sunday Mass - 10:30am - First Sacraments Session 5 - 6:00pm - Confirmation Session 5 February 23, 2018 - 5:00pm – Confirmation “Social” Event May 6, 2018 - 11:30am First Holy Communion May 12, 2018 - 4:00pm Confirmation

“Sacramental Sunday” Our next Sacramental Sunday is today, December 17th at the 9:30am Mass. Greeters should meet in the Resurrection Chapel at 8:45am for your door assignment.

First Reconciliation – Schedule Change January 13, 2018 – First Reconciliation (ALL PSR students) January 20, 2018 – First Reconciliation (ALL SMS students)

Both services will begin at 9:00am in the Church.

Discipleship Events December 17th – First Sacraments Reconciliation Session #3 – “SPIRITUAL” event; Candidates will be able to support this session by helping setup and cleanup of the Parish breakfast with the Bishop. The session will end at 12:30pm. January 21st – First Sacraments Holy Eucharist Session #1 – “SPIRITUAL” event; Candidates will be able to support this session by helping setup, support and cleanup of this session. The session will end at 12:00pm. February 16th - Confirmation Service “Social” Event (Fr. Garrity Center) Parish Fish Fry; Candidates will be expected to help setup, guide, con-trol and cleanup area; this event is expected to end by 8:00am. February 18th – First Sacraments Holy Eucharist Session #2 – “SPIRITUAL” event; Candidates will be able to support this session by helping setup, support and cleanup of this session. The session will end at 12:00pm. For the complete schedule of events and activities for Confirmation a/or First Sacraments go to:

http://www.stmaryberea.org/sacramental-prep

St. Mary Catholic School News Corner

Educating the Mind, Nurturing the Soul Mr. Andrew Carner, Principal

Mrs. Dober’s Kindergarten class recently read the

The Sparkle Box by Jill Hardie. This story tells about the gift of

giving and that every time we give of our time, talents, or treasures to

help others, we are giving a gift to Jesus. There is a “Sparkle Box”

under the classroom Christmas tree where students are adding their

notes of “gifts” they have given to Jesus.

Under the direction of Mrs. Roman, our 3rd, 4th, & 5th grade stu-

dents entertained their families with a Christmas

concert in the church this past Wednesday. The

students helped get everyone in the Christmas

spirit with many songs of the season; Christmas

Night, O Come, O Come, Emmanuel, O Come

All Ye Faithful, Hark! Hear the Bells, Silent

Night, & We Wish You a Merry Christmas just to name a few. It

was a wonderful evening for everyone! Year-end giving…during the month of December you will likely

receive more charitable year-end giving appeals than ever before.

There are many good causes and charitable organizations reaching

out for financial support. How does one decide where

to give? As you may choose 3-4 good and important

ministries and charities, there is no more foundational

and important giving than giving to the church/school,

which ministers you and educates your children. Your

gifts make it possible to bless people with grace and

truth of Jesus. Many companies provide matching gifts; check with

your Benefits Office if your employer is one of them. Thank you for

all you do for St. Mary.

Catholic Schools – Learn.Serve.Lead.Succeed - - It’s not too early

to mark your calendars for the St. Mary Annual Open

House scheduled for Sunday, January 28th, Noon –

2:00p.m. Plan to come see our 21st century Discovery

Hall and Collaboration Hall for students Kindergarten

through grade 8. Watch the bulletin for further details.

The sounds of Christmas were ringing throughout the school this

past Thursday as Mr. Hickey and Ms. Kovacs lead the

SMS Band in their Annual Christmas Band Concert. In

the afternoon, students were treated to the sound of The

Bells of St. Mary’s, The First Noel, Silent Night, and

God Rest ye Merry Gentlemen just to name a few. In

the evening the band performed for their family and

friends. This was the first performance under the direc-

tion of our new Band Director, Mr. Hickey and everyone was excited

to see the enthusiasm by all involved!

Important Dates to Remember:

12/17/17 - Reconciliation Mtg. – 10:30a.m./Fr. Garrity Ctr.

“ “ “ Confirmation Mtg. – 6:00p.m./Fr.Garrity Ctr.

12/19/17 - All School Mass @ 1:50p.m.

12/20/17 - Christmas Break Begins / School Resumes 1/3/2018

http://www.stmaryberea.orghttp://www.stmaryberea.org/sacramental-prep

CHRISTMAS FLOWER MEMORIAL GIFT PLEASE PRINT CLEARLY:

Donor: __________________________________________________________________________ Telephone: ______________________ Donation Amount __________________________ Please indicate: Check # __________ or Cash __________ In Memory of: _____________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Donor and memorial names will be printed in the bulletin. Your donation of any amount will help defray the cost of maintaining a beautiful Christmas Season when we celebrate the Birth of Our Savior.

Please return this slip to the Parish Office, along with your donation by December 18th,

Attn: Christmas Flowers. Thank you!

Dear Parishioners, Family and Friends,

It’s TIME for a NEW CHURCH DIRECTORY! It has been since 1990 that St. Mary has published a Church Directory. With our Grateful

LIVING initiative taking shape now is the perfect time to showcase fami-

lies, individuals, staff and the amazing events that make our Church a

vibrant community of faith. Publishing this directory will not only up-

date our office database, but also create a meaningful keepsake for you

and your family.

To make it happen we need your help. Our goal is to include

all members of our Parish family in a complete directory. It will require

effort on your part (and on ours) to make this goal a reality. We will do

our best to keep it simple. We’ll even provide the professional photog-

raphy! Your photo session is FREE and everyone who is photographed

by Universal will receive a complimentary 8X10 portrait and a directory.

A win-win!

Your time is valuable so we are offering five ways to schedule

your family photo session. Use the one that best suits your needs.

Call the Parish Office

Visit the Parish website

Visit the Universal Church Directory website

Stop at the sign-up table after Mass on the weekend

Submit a recent photo to the Parish Office

I know a project such as this is a HUGE undertaking, but the

potential for outreach for ministry and growth is even BIGGER! Help us

make it a reality. Turn the letter over and make your January appoint-

ment TODAY.

THANKS in advance for your support in helping to make

the new Church Directory a reality!

Father John and Staff

THE STEPS TO SIGN-UP:

You can call the Parish Office at 440-243-3877

The Parish Staff can book your photography appointment.

Call during office hours for assistance.

You can SIGN-UP from the Parish website

www.stmaryberea.org and follow the link;

www.ucdir.com and on the sidebar ENTER the St. Mary

Berea Church code: oh2066 and then ENTER the St.

Mary Berea Church Password stmaryberea. The photog-

raphers’ calendar will appear on the screen and you can

CLICK the day, date and time most convenient to you

and your family.

You can SIGN-UP from the Universal Church Directory

website and TYPE IN www.ucdir.com and on the sidebars

ENTER the St. Mary Berea Church oh2066 and then EN-

TER the St. Mary Berea Church Password stmaryberea.

The photographers’ calendar will appear on the screen

and you can CLICK the day, date and time most conven-

ient to you and your family.

You can GO the UCD Information Table in the Mother

Teresa Vestibule of the Church BEFORE or AFTER any

weekend Mass and SIGN-UP.

You can SUBMIT a recent photo of your family or SEND

it electronically to the Parish website link. It’s that simple.

Universal Church Directories will be on site for photo-

graphs beginning January 10th, 2018.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwjFnJD8p8HXAhUG0YMKHQeRCpwQjRwIBw&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.ucdir.com%2F&psig=AOvVaw3Jyr_YAKesAO0bseENVhK7&ust=1510860447000356http://www.stmaryberea.orghttp://www.ucdir.comhttp://www.ucdir.com