Page Two FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

Dear Family, The first few years of Priesthood always provide a lot of challeng-es. Most recently, as we jour-neyed together through the arson attack, I became aware that I struggled with experiencing emo-tional connectivity to the events as they unfolded. Aware of this, I decided that it would be helpful to

insure that there were no significant problems. And so, I worked with the Diocese to undergo a full psychologi-cal evaluation. The results of that psychological evalua-tion have encouraged me to go through a residential program. I have requested from Msgr. Steven Callahan a leave of absence to address these matters, and he has accepted. Two things are most important: 1) I love being a Priest, and this time away is not about questioning that vocation and 2) God has bigger plans than we are aware of. Please pray for me, as I will you. Sacred Heart of Jesus, have mercy on us. Immaculate Heart of Mary, pray for us. Love,

1 Peter 1:6-8 There is cause for rejoicing here. You may for a time

have to suffer the distress of trials; but, this is so that

your faith, which is more precious than the passing

splendor of fine tried gold, may by its genuineness lead

to praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ appears.

Nov. 29, Sat: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT (VIGIL)

4:30 pm +Jeffrey, +Joseph and +Johnny Nededog

Nov. 30, Sun: FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:00 am Intentions of Herb and Mary Jane Barrack 11:00 am For the Parishioners Dec. 1, Mon: ADVENT WEEK 8:00 am Intentions of Marvin Isho Dec. 2, Tue: ADVENT WEEK

8:00 am +Virgilio San Agustin Dec. 3, Wed: SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER, PRIEST

8:00 am Abdul Messikh Youkhana

Dec. 4, Thu: ADVENT WEEK 8:00 am +Edward Galwey 11:00 am For the Seniors of the Parish Dec. 5, Fri: FIRST FRIDAY 8:00 am Intentions of Giselle Benjamin 6:30 pm +Rick Ghio Dec. 6, Sat: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT (VIGIL)

4:30 pm For the Parishioners Dec. 7, Sun: SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT 8:00 am +Zuhair Sarata 11:00 am +Mary Smith

MASS SCHEDULE AND INTENTIONS

Advent Wreath Prayer Light the first candle and say:

The People that walked in darkness have seen a great light! (Isaiah 9:1-2)

God of compassion, be with us in these long and dark days as we await the

birth of your son, Jesus. Amen.

SCRIPTURE READINGS FOR THE WEEK OF NOVEMBER 30, 2014

Sunday: Is 63:16b-17, 19b; 64:2-7 Ps 80:2-3, 15-16, 18-19 1 Cor 1:3-9 Mk 13:33-37 Monday: Is 2:1-5 Ps 122:1-9 Mt 8:5-11

Tuesday: Is 11:1-10 Ps 72:7-8, 12-13, 17 Lk 10:21-24

Wednesday: Is 25:6-10a Ps 23:1-6 Mt 15:29-37

Thursday: Is 26:1-6 Ps 118:1, 8-9, 19-21, 25-27a

Mt 7:21, 24-27

Friday: Is 29:17-24, Ps 27:1, 4, 13-14 Mt 9:27-31

Saturday: Is 30:19-21, 23-26 Ps 147:1-6 Mt 9:35-10:1, 5a, 6-8

Next Sunday: Is 40:1-5, 9-11 Ps 85:9-14 2 Pt 3:8-14 Mk 1:1-8

T he smallest of lifes events are directed by the Lord. Creatures are instruments, but it is the hand of Jesus that directs all.

St. Therese of the Child Jesus

PARISH OFFICE

Monday - Friday AFTER DAILY MASS - 4:30 pm

Phone: (619) 463-6629 ~ Fax: (619) 463-8101 parish@santasophia.org

www.santasophia.org

Facebook: SantaSophiaCatholicChurch

RECTORY Pastor: Rev. Jacob Bertrand Administrator: Rev. Timothy Deutsch Ext. 100 Business Manager: Bill Smirniotis Ext. 104 Bookkeeper: Sana Auro Ext. 105 Portress: Sara Gonzalez Ext. 100 Administrative Assistant: Maria Belflower Ext. 102 Maintenance: Jim Kinney Ext. 108 Priest in Residence: Rev. John Bosco Ext. 107

musinguzijbosco@yahoo.com

MUSIC MINISTRIES

Santa Sophia Singers Santa Sophia Kids Choir

Santa Sophia Liturgical Ensemble

Music Director: David Stevens Ext. 113

LITURGICAL MINISTRIES

Altar Servers, Extraordinary Ministers of the Eucharist, Lectors, & Ministers of Hospitality/Usher

Sacristan: Rosemary Wellington Ext. 115

CATECHETICAL MINISTRY OFFICE

Baptism Child & Adult Religious Education Phone: (619) 463-6011 ~ Fax: (619) 668-5458

cmo@santasophia.org

Director: Bernadette Padlo Ext. 111 Administration: Donna Hernandez Ext. 110 Sr. High Youth: Gennette Medina Ext. 112 Jr. High Youth: Nathan Johnson

YOUNG ADULT MINISTRY Ages 18-39

Facebook: EastCountyYoungAdults

Rachel Smith: rach.smith@yahoo.com

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY

SEEKING WISDOM. LIVING VIRTUE.

ENCOUNTERING CHRIST. Learn more at

www.santasophiaacademy.org

Contact us to request a pre-admission packet and to arrange a meeting,

a screening test for entrance, or a tour!

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY LOUISE AMADO PRESCHOOL - for ages 2 - 5 Victoria Simanek, Director

(619) 463-0141 ~ preschool@santasophia.org

SANTA SOPHIA ACADEMY (K - 8) Karen Laaperi, Principal

(619) 463-0488 ~ santasophiaacademyoffice@gmail.com Fax: (619) 668-5469

Extended Day Care: (619) 668-5471

We look forward to hearing from you!

Page Three FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

PLEASE REMEMBER THOSE IN NEED OF SPECIAL PRAYER

Doris Kellhofer

Charles Lavoie

Ernest Stelmar

Brian Vandenberg

Jessica Kline

Leticia Rebollar

Cora Lawson

Detra Hambrick

Heather Sturgill

Vie Liddell

Debbie Giamancho

Maria Tangen

Names in bold are newly added this week.

Also pray for the special intentions written in the Book of Needs at the back of the church.

I n Father Jacobs absence, Msgr. Callahan has appointed Father Timothy Deutsch as temporary Administrator of Santa Sophia. Father Timothy is the Associate Pastor at Our Lady of Grace Parish in El Cajon.

Volunteers needed ~The Senior High Youth Group is looking for fun, creative, and dedicated vol-unteers to assist with growing the Senior High min-istry at Santa Sophia. We are looking for volunteers to help out with technology and communication, leading small projects, or to provide supervision. If you are interested in finding out more information, or if you have a High School student interested in being part of this exciting program, please contact:

Gennette Medina at (619) 463-6011, ext. 112 or gmedina@santasophia.org

Page Four FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

Advent Calendar Date FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT Time/Location

Wednesday, December 3rd

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Confession

Holy Hour for Priests followed by Benediction

5:00 pm - 8:00 pm 5:00 pm - 6:15 pm 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Friday, December 5th

Adoration Of The Blessed Sacrament

Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament will take place after the morning mass, followed by Benediction.

First Friday Mass of the Sacred Heart.

8:45 am 11:45 am Benediction at 11:45 am

6:30 pm

Saturday, December 6th

Missionary Disciples & the New Evangelization Conference by Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom

Conference will be lead by Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom. He will be speaking on how to Live the Joy of the Gospel in the Parish Life and Taking that Joy into our Families.

The morning schedule is as follows:

8:00 am ~ Mass & Rosary 9:00 am ~ Coffee & light snack in Prendergast Hall

9:30 am 12:30 pm ~ Presentation from Bishop Brom immediately follow-

ing coffee & light snack.

9:00 am -12:30 pm Prendergast Hall

Childcare is provided

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Saturday & Sunday, December 6th & 7th

Giving Tree

Purchased gifts can be placed under the tree.

Please tape your tag to the gift.

After all of the weekend masses

Monday, December 8th

The Immaculate conception of the blessed virgin mary

This is a Holy day of obligation and Patronal Feast Day of the United States of America.

Masses will be at 8:00 am and 7:00 pm.

8:00 am & 7:00 pm

Wednesday, December 10th

Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament Confession

Praise & Worship to follow 7:00 pm

Friday, December 12th

The Santa Sophia Academy Handbell and Glee Club

The children will be performing for your Advent Journey into Christmas.

The Parish is invited to attend this joyous event.

11:00 am Santa Sophia Church

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT

Saturday & Sunday, December 13th & 14th

Giving Tree

Purchased gifts can be placed under the tree.

Please tape your tag to the gift.

After all of the weekend masses

Sunday, December 14th

A Festival of 9 Lessons and Carols

Learn about the Nativity through song.

Sung by our own Santa Sophia Singers, Santa Sophia Liturgical Ensemble, Santa Sophia Hand Bell Choir, Santa Sophia Academy Choir/Pianist.

All under the direction of David Stevens, Director of Music.

Turkey Dinner to follow, sponsored by Knights of Columbus.

3:00 pm

Wednesday, December 17th

Sacrament of Reconciliation Advent

Penance Service

7:00 pm

Page Five FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

Holy Masses for the Christmas Season

Vigil of the Nativity of the Lord - Dec 24th Christmas hymns and songs will precede all three Christmas Eve Masses for 30 min.

3:30 pm - Mass with Homily for Children and their Families

6:30 pm - Mass with Homily for Children and their Families

(Music by Santa Sophia Kids Choir)

10:00 pm - Mass at Night

The Nativity of the Lord - Dec 25th

10:00 am - Mass

The Holy Family of Jesus, Mary and Joseph - Dec 28th

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Dec 27th) 8:00 am - Mass

11:00 am - Mass

Solemnity of Mary, the Holy Mother of God - Jan 1st

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Dec 31st) 9:00 am - Mass

The Epiphany of the Lord - Jan 4th

4:30 pm - Vigil Mass (Jan 3rd) 8:00 am - Mass

11:00 am - Mass

The word became flesh, and we have seen his glory.

John 1:14

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Daily Mass Monday - Friday 8:00 am

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Reconciliation 45 minutes prior to each Mass both

daily and Sunday. Wednesdays 5:00 pm to 6:15 pm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The Jesse Tree

The Advent custom called the Jesse Tree, uses stories to help children develop a stronger sense of who Jesus is and who were the people on the path before him. Named for King Davids father, the Jesse Tree is a representation of Christs family tree, suggested by the prophets words, There shall come forth a shoot from the root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1). These sto-ries become a way for children to experience Gods presence and a sense of salvation history.

Beginning the second week of Ad-vent, there will be a Jesse Tree in the vestibule of the church so chil-dren of our parish can make orna-ments to decorate the tree. We adorn the Jesse Tree with illustrat-ed ornaments that represent the people, prophesies, and events leading up to the birth of Jesus.

Please watch the bulletin for week-ly information and suggestions to participate in this activity.

If you have any questions please feel free to call the CMO Office at (619) 463-6011.

Page Six FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

Daily Prayer for Priests

O Jesus, I pray for your faithful and; fervent priests;

For your unfaithful and tepid priests; For your priests laboring at home or

Abroad in distant mission fields. For your tempted priests;

For your lonely and desolate priests; For your young priests; For your dying priests;

For the souls of your priests in Purgatory. But above all, I recommend to you

The priests dearest to me; The priest who baptized me;

The priests who absolved me from my sins; The priests at whose Masses I assisted and who gave me

Your Body and Blood in Holy Communion; The priests who taught and instructed me;

All the priests to whom I am indebted in any other way

(especially...) O Jesus, keep them all close to your heart,

And bless them abundantly in time and in Eternity,

Amen

Sunday, Nov. 30th - Rev. Dennis Krouse

Monday, Dec. 1st - Pope Francis

Tuesday, Dec. 2nd - +Bishop Cirilo Flores

Wednesday, Dec. 3rd - Bishop Emeritus Robert Brom

Thursday, Dec. 4th - Bishop Gilbert Chavez

Friday, Dec. 5th - Rev. Msgr. Donald Kulleck

Saturday, Dec. 6th - Rev. Charles Lacombe

BAPTISM

COLLECTION REPORTS

Nov. 17th, 2014-Nov. 23rd, 2014 Plate Envelopes eGiving

Breakdown of gifts received $0.00 to $5.00 $5.01 to $10.00 $10.01 to $25.00 $25.01 to $50.00

$50.01 to $100.00 $100.01 to $150.00

$150.01 to $500.00

Total contributing households

Preserving Our Legacy Bldg. Fund $240.00 St. Vincent de Paul $240.00 Fire Restoration Fund $290.00

$15,894.26 $1,595.76

$10,771.00 $3,527.50

55 64

157 68 47 9

8

_______

408

Congratulations to the following Chil-dren who were baptized last weekend at Santa Sophia Church.

Anthony Francis Son of Timothy & Valerie Staples

Cameron David & Hayden Gene

Children of Brian Dimmer & Jodie Rapper

Chelsea Flor Daughter of Erick & Rosa Gonzalez

Santa Sophia Senior High youth group invites all high school teens to grow together as young adults spiritually, mentally and physically. Enjoy social time, Confirmation Prep/Class, Mass and meeting. When: Sundays Time: 9:00 am - 1:00 pm Where: New Youth room located inside the CMO office. If you are unable to attend, connect with us through social media to keep updated with our current events at: http://www.facebook.com/santasophia.youthgroup

For more information contact Gennette Medina at (619) 463-6011, ext. 112

or gmedina@santasophia.org

YOUTH GROUP

EAST COUNTY PENANCE SERVICES

Saint Therese, San Diego Wed 12/10 7pm

Saint Luke, El Cajon Thurs 12/11 7pm

Saint Martin of Tours, La Mesa

Mon 12/15 6pm

Queen of Angels, Alpine Mon 12/15 7pm

Guardian Angels, Santee Tues 12/16 7pm

Holy Trinity, El Cajon Wed 12/17 7pm

Santa Sophia, Spring Valley Wed 12/17 7pm

Saint Pius X, Jamul Thurs 12/18 7pm

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lakeside

Mon 12/22 9am

Our Lady of Perpetual Help, Lakeside

Mon 12/22 7pm

Page Seven FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT November 30, 2014

Cut along the dotted line and drop in the baskets along the wall in church.

Name:____________________________________

Phone Number: ___________________________

______________

Dozens ordered ______________ Dozens ordered

______________ Dozens ordered

Tamales are available for pick-up on December 13th & 14th in the Parish Kitchen in Prendergast Hall. Payment for the Tamales is due at the time of pick-up.

Beef Tamales

Chicken Tamales

HOMEMADE TAMALES - The Womens Guild, along with DCCW, will be selling homemade tamales for the holidays. There will be three flavors to choose from: Chicken, Beef, & Pork. We will be taking orders from Saturday, November 15th thru Sunday, December 7th. Please see the order form below. There will be baskets on the side shelves in church for you to return your order forms. Tamale orders will be available for pick up on December 13th & 14th after all the masses in the Parish kitchen in Prendergast Hall.

The cost is $15.00 per dozen.

Santa Sophia Kids Choir

The Santa Sophia Kids Choir is open to all chil-dren of the parish in Grades 3rd thru 8th. Rehears-als are every Thursday, from 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm in the Academy Music Room (October- June). The Kids Choir sings at the 11:00 am Mass every last Sunday of the month. For more information con-tact David Stevens at (619) 463-6629 ext. 113, or dstevens@santasophia.org.

Fil-AM Simbang-Gabi Meeting

We will be having a follow-up meeting regarding Simbang-Gabi preparations on Sunday, November

30th at 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm in DeMoor Room. Please contact Telli or Ric Dominguez at

(619) 670-7403 or (619) 244-3908.

Pork Tamales

SENIOR CHRISTMAS LUNCHEON

Come dressed in your holiday at-tire on Thursday, December 4th. Mass will be at 11:00 am., fol-lowed by a catered ham dinner. Come and enjoy the Academy

school children who will perform for us. We will be selling scrip cards for your holiday shopping. For reservations, call Josie at (619) 466-0144 by Monday, December 1st.

The cost for the luncheon is $8.00.

CHRISTMAS FLOWER OFFERING

In your monthly envelopes you received an envelope for Christmas flowers. This

years fund will also purchase Christmas trees that are being replaced due to

smoke damage. You have the option to honor a loved one, living or deceased, on

the envelope. Additional envelopes are available in the pews and the side shelves.

The list of donors and honored loved ones will be in Januarys bulletin.

GIVING TREE Once again Common Ground and the Academy (both the preschool and school) will place tags on the Giving Trees in the back of church on Novem-

ber 29th & 30th and December 6th & 7th in hopes that our wonderful parishioners will give in their usual generous way to these two causes. Common Ground is seeking gifts for less fortunate students at some of the poorest elementary schools in our area, and the Academy in hopes of helping our stu-dents with learning resources.

Once you have taken the tag of your choice, your gifts may be purchased and brought back on December 6th & 7 and December 13th & 14th (please tape your tag to the gift) and placed back under the tree.

Your kindness in this season of giving is most appreciated.

CATECHETICAL MINISTRY

Reminder: Religious Education classes will not be gathering on Sunday, November 30th.